The one possible flaw in the theory: Stores do such a good job predicting demand and managing inventory levels that less discounting than expected will be needed.

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The position requires only moderate-term on-the-job training and entails preparing patients and dental equipment and keeping track of inventory and medical records.

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Several major political issues are still looming over Wall Street: the lack of significant, sustainable job creation through incentives for starting or expanding small businesses, the housing inventory glut, overspending and the national debt, and the Dodd-Frank Bill (only 5% of which has been implemented to date).

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"They're starting to lay out stores differently, with better merchandise like private label food and more brand-name apparel, " says Dreher, who also stressed that a more decentralized approach to inventory management figures will help Wal-Mart do a better job stocking stores based on local tastes in each market.

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