Carter Hawley Denies Payment Problems: A spokesman...

Carter Hawley Denies Payment Problems: A spokesman for debt-ridden Carter Hawley Hale denied published reports that the company is having trouble paying its bills on time, resulting in cautious shipping by suppliers. Carter Hawley’s stock slipped 12.5 cents Friday to close at $2.375 on the New York Stock Exchange. One well-known manufacturer, the Carole Little women’s clothing maker, said it is being paid promptly and is shipping normally. Earlier this week, Carter Hawley posted a $26-million loss for the year ended Aug. 4 and announced plans to slash 1,000 jobs and sell its Thalhimer chain.