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Weaker Sales Reported: Sales slowed for many big U.S. retailers last month and shoppers showed more distaste for clothing styles offered by many merchants. But industry analysts said the results may not signal that consumers have curtailed their spending. February lived up to its reputation as one of the slowest months in the retail calendar, so it was hard to draw any conclusions from the results. Sales were mixed even among the healthier industry segments. Sears, Roebuck & Co. and Wal-Mart Stores Inc.’s discount stores reported strong results. But business at Target discount stores, a division of Dayton Hudson Corp., was slightly below expectations.