LONDON, March 25, 2013 /PRNewswire/ --

After a mixed holiday season, retailers have seen an increase in sales in the first two months of 2013. Retail sales in February rose more than forecast as an improving labor market boosted consumer confidence. With the economic outlook continuing to improve, retailers such as Wal-Mart Stores Inc. (NYSE: WMT), Big Lots Inc. (NYSE: BIG), and The TJX Companies Inc. (NYSE: TJX) can expect a solid year ahead. Consumer spending in Brazil has also been strong even as the economy has shown signs of weakness. Brazil-based grocery retailer Companhia Brasileira de Distribuicao (NYSE: CBD) has benefited from this trend. On Friday, U.S. retailers ended mostly higher, while shares of Companhia Brasileira de Distribuicao struggled. StockCall free coverage on WMT, BIG, TJX, and CBD is available upon registration at

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Among the retailers that rose sharply on Friday was Wal-Mart Stores Inc. Shares of the world's largest retailer rose 1.57% to finish the day at $74.28 on volume of 7.33 million. The company's shares rose to an intra-day high of $74.29. The stock is currently trading close to its 52-week high of $77.60. Shares of WMT outperformed the broad market last week, gaining nearly 2.50%. Year-to-date, the stock has once again outperformed the broad market, gaining more than 9.50%. The stock's MACD has just crossed above the signal line, which is a strong bullish signal. Download the free technical research on WMT by signing up at

http://www.StockCall.com/WMT032513.pdf

Shares of Big Lots Inc. edged higher in trading on Wednesday; however, the gains were limited. The stock closed 0.31% higher at $35.61 on volume of 573,792. Big Lots Inc.'s shares have traded in a tight range over the past couple of weeks. The stock has been struggling to break through $36 resistance level. Despite struggling in the last couple of weeks, the company's shares have had an excellent run so far in 2013. Year-to-date, the stock has gained more than 25%, compared to a gain of nearly 9.20% for the S&P 500. Register now and get access to the free analysis on BIG at

http://www.StockCall.com/BIG032513.pdf

Shares of The TJX Companies Inc. rose sharply in trading on Friday, touching a 52-week high of $46.85. The stock finished the day 2.21% higher at $46.62 on above average volume of 6.69 million. TJX's shares rose more than 3.75% last week, outperforming the broad market. The stock outperformed the broad market for the year as well, gaining more than 10%. TJX Companies' shares have broken through $45.50, which has been a stiff resistance level for the stock in the past. This is a strong bullish signal. Sign up and read the complimentary report on TJX at

http://www.StockCall.com/TJX032513.pdf

Shares of Companhia Brasileira de Distribuicao were among the major losers on Friday. The stock fell to an intra-day low of $51.74 before finishing the day 2.58% lower at $51.83 on above average volume of 1.14 million. The stock fell 3.3% last week. Despite the recent losses, Companhia Brasileira de Distribuicao shares have gained more than 16.70% this year. Technical indicators for the stock, however, are currently giving bearish signals. The free report on CBD can be downloaded by signing up now at

http://www.StockCall.com/CBD032513.pdf

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