What Is One of the Best Retailer Stocks to Buy Right Now?

Group 1 - Investors' concerns about the economy and consumer health have increased, leading to a 14.5% gain in the S&P 500 index this year, while the S&P 500 Retailing industry group has only increased by 3.3% [1] - Despite the overall retail sector challenges, TJX Companies is highlighted as a strong long-term buying opportunity [1][7] - TJX Companies operates off-price retail stores under various brands, offering a wide range of discounted merchandise, which attracts price-sensitive customers [3] Group 2 - TJX Companies performs well during economic downturns, gaining access to more goods as consumers seek value [4] - In the latest fiscal second quarter, TJX reported same-store sales growth across all divisions, with companywide comps rising by 4% [5] - The company's gross margin expanded by 30 basis points year-over-year to 30.7%, and diluted earnings per share increased by 15% to $1.10 [6] Group 3 - TJX's stock has risen by 19.1% this year, outperforming the S&P 500, although its price-to-earnings ratio has increased from 28 to 33 [6] - The resilience of TJX Companies during challenging retail conditions positions it favorably for potential investors [7][8]