In general, retailers have learned to focus far more on lowering prices, and in particular to stock a larger proportion of products at the low end of the price range.

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Splitting that line into high- and low- end products, rather than simply cutting the price of older models creates new risks, even as it reduces the risk Apple runs by building such an enormous business around a single product.

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Because of subsidies from foreign governments, some of their foreign competitors are selling products at an artificially low price.

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Most companies are using enzymes to meet the challenge of delivering higher performing, lower footprint products at the same low price consumers have come to expect.

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When a Costco customer walks in the door, he or she expects that the products will be of high quality and offered at a low price.

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Like McDonald's, which attracted more high-end customers with spruced-up restaurants while not abandoning its dollar menu, Wal-Mart's trick will be to build on the early success of some upscale apparel lines while continuing to offer low price points across its products, Shapira indicated.

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