NEW YORK — Alarmed by the financial meltdown, stores nationwide are slapping sale signs on fall sweaters, furniture and many other products — frantically trying to attract shoppers who are cutting back. Some analysts were already expecting the weakest sales growth for the holiday season in 24 years, and with uncertainty roiling the banking system and a teetering economy, they figure Americans will make their lists and check them three or four times. For the full story visit www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-retail3-2008oct03,0,7335327.story