Retail Winners & Losers: Sears Tanks

NEW YORK (TheStreet) -- It was a mixed bag in retail on Thursday as a slew of companies posted earnings results.

In the winners circle were Ross Stores(ROST Quote), Stein Mart(ROST Quote), Gymboree(GYMB Quote) and Dick's Sporting Goods(DKS Quote).

Strong quarterly numbers and stock-price upticks among these companies helped offset some steep declines from Sears(SHLD Quote), GameStop(GME Quote) and PetSmart(PETM Quote).

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The two sides knocked each other out, and the S&P Retail Index ended the day nearly flat at 358.41.

Gymboree was one of the biggest gainers after it reported a second-quarter profit that more than doubled from a year ago. Parents were lured to the children's retailer through promotions and a new loyalty program.

Shares soared 12% to close at $44.87.

Rival Children's Place(PLCE Quote), however, wasn't as fortunate. The company swung to a loss in its second quarter, with same-store sales tumbling 9%.

Children's Place shares fell nearly 4% to $30.66.

If you're looking to invest in retail, off-price appears to be the place to go long. Ross Stores saw its second-quarter profit nearly double, as same-store sales inched up 3%.

The company, along with rival TJX(TJX Quote), has picked up market share as consumers trade down on apparel and accessories to lower-priced venues. As a result, Ross shares jumped 4% to end the day at $46.40.

Another example of cut-rate stores outperforming: Stein Mart(SMRT Quote) swung to a second-quarter gain, sending its shares up 7% to close at $12.23.

Stein Mart, which sells merchandise between 20% and 60% lower than typical department stores, has shored up its business through extensive cost cuts and leaner inventory management.

Another safe bet, it seems, is in the sporting goods sector. Shares Dick's Sporting Goods(DKS Quote) shot up 7% to $21.69, despite reporting a lower profit on Thursday. Investors rewarded the company after it lifted its guidance.