And it should also be remembered that entire retail seasons can be built on the sales of a single bag or belt.

Sure enough, Lauder recently reported that its earnings rose 14 percent even in a sluggish retail season.

After a disappointing holiday retail season, stores are thrilled.

In an effort to attract customers, stores often extend their hours during these crucial days of the retail season.

Driven by the worst retail season in decades, American designers are taking the hallowed shape of the traditional man's suit and pumping it up.

Usually, of course, December ranks as the height of the retail season.

THE industry, now beginning its summer retail season, always paints a rosy picture for consumers at the boat show.

The greater-than-expected advance was confirmation that the economy had gained momentum since late summer and indicated a good holiday retail season.

The contributing factors notwithstanding, it is becoming increasingly difficult to forecast how any retail season will evolve.

Many publishers have reported higher sales recently, at the start of what is the busiest retail season of the year.