10 Specialty Retailers Making Big Gains

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tdp2664 InvestorPlace Yes, shoppers are more scarce than they were a few years ago, but even though broader sentiment is down there are a number of specialty retailers that continue to do well even in this tough environment. That's because they either focus on recession-proof segments of the retail market, or because they offer the lowest prices in their class and are winning the battle at the register as a result. I watch more than 5,000 publicly traded companies with my Portfolio Grader tool, ranking companies by a number of fundamental and quantitative measures. This week, I have 10 specialty retailers that are cashing in. Here they are, in alphabetical order. Each one of these stocks gets an "A" or "B" according to my research, meaning it is a "strong buy" or "buy." Abercrombie & Fitch Co. (NYSE: ANF ) is a well-known casual sportswear apparel retailer. While many consumers are pinching pennies and avoiding retail stores, ANF stock has continued to gain momentum, up 19% year-to-date. AutoNation Inc. (NYSE: AN ) is a U.S. based automotive retailer. Like the other specialty retailers on this list, AN stock is up 31% despite the volatility of the market. AutoZone Inc. (NYSE: AZO ) specializes in the retail of automotive replacement parts and accessories. AZO stock has been in the zone for all of 2011, gaining 20% year-to-date. Bed Bath & Beyond Inc. ( NASDAQ : BBBY ) sells a wide variety of home domestic merchandise and home furnishing. A gain of 23% for BBY stock year-to-date has ensured a spot on this list for the retailer. Limited Brands Inc. (NYSE: LTD ) is a retailer of women's apparel, beauty and personal care products. LTD stock has gained an impressive 36% year-to-date in a time when many retailers are suffering. O’Reilly Automotive Inc. ( NASDAQ : ORLY ) is a U.S. retailer of automotive aftermarket parts, tools, supplies, equipment and accessories. ORLY stock has gained an impressive 14% since the start of 2011. Ross Stores Inc. ( NASDAQ : ROST ) operates the retail stores Ross Dress for Less and DISCOUNTS. While the broader markets have lost ground in 2011, ROST stock is up 32% year-to-date. TJX Cos. (NYSE: TJX ) is an off-price apparel and home fashion retailer that operates in the United States. TJX stock is up 29%, year-to-date, despite a 2% drop in the Dow in the same time. Tractor Supply Co. (NASDAQ: TSCO ) operates retail farm and ranch stores in the U.S. TSCO stock has gained an impressive 40% year-to-date. Ulta Salon Cosmetics & Fragrance Inc. (NASDAQ: ULTA ) sells cosmetics, fragrance, haircare and skincare products, among other products. ULTA stock is the big winner on this list, up 98% in 2011. Get more analysis of these picks and other publicly-traded stocks with Louis Navellier's Portfolio Grader tool, a 100% free stock-rating tool that measures both quantitative buying pressure and eight fundamental factors.