2 Top TSX Retail Stocks to Consider Buying Right Now

Here’s why Artitzia (TSX:ATZ) and Canadian Tire (TSX:CTC.A) are two top retail stocks to keep an eye on as we enter the month of August.

| More on:

As this bull market rages on, albeit in a higher volatility fashion of late, investors may be inclined to look for opportunities in sectors that have been beaten up of late. One such sector happens to be retailers. And among the retail stocks I think are set to outperform are two Canadian companies that have posted impressive results.

These companies have shown two things that impress me. Both have performed relatively well throughout the pandemic due to their technological/e-commerce initiatives. Additionally, both companies have world-class brands and are expanding, or likely will expand, moving forward.

Let’s dive in.

Top retail stocks: Aritzia

One of the retail stocks I’ve had my eye on of late as a pandemic reopening play is Aritzia (TSX:ATZ). To me, this is a company with a much better outlook than other retail stocks dubbed as “meme stocks.”

This still holds true today.

Aritzia’s recent earnings highlighted just how impressive of a transition this retailer has made to e-commerce. Year-over-year revenue growth of 122% this past quarter was absolutely incredible and has resulted in Aritzia stock trading near all-time highs recently.

The company’s focus on a quality product line, IT and logistics investments, and its distribution system have been integral to this success. Additionally, Aritzia has been making some acquisitive moves to fill gaps.

The company recently announced it’s moving into men’s clothing in a big way. Aritzia is pursuing a majority stake in Reigning Champ. This 75% stake will cost US$63 million, so it’s a significant investment. However, this deal has the potential to not only enhance Aritzia’s product portfolio but also result in a larger consumer base.

Canadian Tire

Perhaps a top-five most iconic Canadian retail brand for most Canadians, Canadian Tire (TSX:CTC.A) is one of those retail stocks with international cachet.

Indeed, this is a company that’s been on the cutting edge of technological advancements as far as e-commerce and the company’s integrated online ordering/in-store pickup model. Canadian Tire was among the first retailers to implement this strategy, prior to the pandemic. Many investors laughed initially when Canadian Tire was making these investments. However, no one’s laughing now.

Similar to Aritzia, Canadian Tire’s e-commerce division is soaring. The company’s online sales grew 179% year over year. Thus, this is a sector most investors will have their eye on over the long term.

Indeed, Canadian Tire’s recent results were remarkable. Given how hard most retail stocks were hit as a result of the pandemic, Canadian Tire’s ability to bounce back quickly is a great thing for long-term investors. Indeed, it’s my belief that this is one of the most defensive retail stocks on the TSX.

This article represents the opinion of the writer, who may disagree with the “official” recommendation position of a Motley Fool premium service or advisor. We’re Motley! Questioning an investing thesis — even one of our own — helps us all think critically about investing and make decisions that help us become smarter, happier, and richer, so we sometimes publish articles that may not be in line with recommendations, rankings or other content.

Fool contributor Chris MacDonald has no position in any stocks mentioned in this article.

More on Investing

3 colorful arrows racing straight up on a black background.
Investing

1 Canadian Stock Ready to Surge Into 2025

Canadian Natural Resources (TSX:CNQ) stock is a sleeping dividend giant that may be about to wake up.

Read more »

Tractor spraying a field of wheat
Investing

Is Nutrien Stock a Buy for its 4.7% Dividend Yield?

Nutrien (TSX:NTR) is a well-known defensive commodities play. But is this stock worth buying for its dividend yield alone?

Read more »

Happy shoppers look at a cellphone.
Tech Stocks

So You Own Shopify Stock: Is it Still a Good Investment?

Shopify (TSX:SHOP) stock has had a run, but there's still room to the upside.

Read more »

Paper Canadian currency of various denominations
Investing

The Best Stocks to Invest $2,000 in Right Now

Do you have some extra cash to spare? Here are three Canadian stocks to add to your watch list today.

Read more »

tsx today
Stock Market

TSX Today: What to Watch for in Stocks on Friday, November 22

Continued gains in gold, oil, and natural gas prices could give the commodity-focused TSX benchmark a boost at the opening…

Read more »

Train cars pass over trestle bridge in the mountains
Dividend Stocks

Is CNR Stock a Buy, Sell, or Hold for 2025?

Can CNR stock continue its long-term outperformance into 2025 and beyond? Let's explore whether now is a good time to…

Read more »

engineer at wind farm
Energy Stocks

Invest $20,000 in This Dividend Stock for $100 in Monthly Passive Income

This dividend stock has it all – a strong outlook, monthly income, and even more to consider buying today.

Read more »

Hourglass and stock price chart
Stock Market

It’s Not Too Late: Invest in These TSX Growth Stocks Now

Solid fundamentals of these top TSX growth stocks could help them maintain strong upward momentum in the years to come.

Read more »