10 Specialty Retailers Making Big Gains

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.