The retail industry is beginning to look like a barbell, with significant growth at the top and bottom of the spectrum while the middle gets squeezed out. On one end, you have discount retailers like the TJX Companies Inc. (NYSE: TJX), reporting record revenue and terrific stock gains.
Conversely, high-end outlets and brands like ULTA Beauty Inc. (NASDAQ: ULTA) and Kate Spade are producing strong sales while maintaining comfortable margins. And then in the middle, you have Target Corp. (NYSE: TGT).
