15. From car dealerships to Gap outlets, sales have been lagging for months as shoppers temper their spending.

【分析】復合句。句子主干為sales have been lagging for months;from car dealerships to Gap outlets 為介詞結構作狀語;as引導一個原因狀語從句。
【譯文】從汽車經銷商到蓋普直銷店，由于顧客削減了開支，幾個月來銷售額一直走低。
【點撥】 1)outlet在本句中意為“經銷店”，此外還有“出口；排水口；插座”的意思。2)lag作動詞時，意為“走得極慢；落后；滯后，延遲”,作名詞時，意為“（兩件事之間的）時間間隔；遲緩，延擱”。3) temper作動詞原意為“使緩和；使溫和”，本句中是“削減”的意思；作名詞時，意為“脾氣,性情;怒氣”。

16. For retailers, who last year took in 24 percent of their revenue between Thanksgiving and Christmas, the cautious approach is coming at a crucial time.

【分析】復合句。介詞結構for retailers...作狀語，其中含有who引導的定語從句，修飾限制retailers;主句主干為 the cautious approach is coming;介詞短語 at a crucial time作狀語。
【譯文】去年零售商在感恩節和圣誕節之間的收入占全年收入的24%。而現在這個關鍵時刻采取了謹慎的營銷方式。