Winners & Losers: Retail Stocks Rise on Data

Retail shares were up across segments on Wednesday as the Commerce Department reported an increase in durable goods orders for the second straight month.

The S&P Retail Index jumped 1% to 311.35 in afternoon trading -- and amid the good news there were some surprising winners.

Abercrombie & Fitch(ANF Quote): Yes, today and probably only today, Abercrombie & Fitch is considered a winner. The struggling teen-apparel retailer saw a European firm actually boost its stake despite dismal fundamentals in recent months, Barron's reported.

Shares of the company gained 4% to $36.10 in afternoon trading.

As of June 22, Scotland's Edinburgh Partners owns 4,422,927 shares, or a 5.04% stake in the company. At the end of the first quarter Edinburgh held 4,213,798 shares giving it 5% ownership, Barron's wrote.

Goes to show at least someone thinks Abercrombie & Fitch is still in fashion.

PetSmart(PETM Quote): The pet supply retailer said on Tuesday that it will raise its dividend to 10 cents from 3 cents starting in the second quarter. The company also plans to purchase up to $350 million of its stock over the next 2 and a half years.

Shares of the company grew 4% to $20.81.

Stifel Nicolaus analyst David Schick said by slowing down square-footage growth the company is able to minimize cannibalization and give breathing room to existing assets, reduce its operating costs and let management spend more time trying to improve the business.

PetSmart also said it aims to add about 40 stores annually in the near-future.