2 Retail Stocks That Look Due for a Santa Rally

Aritzia (TSX:ATZ) and another discretionary retail play look quite cheap going into the holiday season.

| More on:

You’re reading a free article with opinions that may differ from The Motley Fool’s premium investing services. Become a Motley Fool member today to get instant access to our top analyst recommendations, in-depth research, investing resources, and more. Learn More

The festive decorations are out in full force, even though there’s still around a week to go in November. As stocks head into December with considerable momentum behind them, questions linger as to what the next move of this mini-market rally will be.

Undoubtedly, the bounce in the S&P 500 has been notably sharper than the steady multi-month descent to multi-month lows. And as investors feel a bit better about picking up a value play now, there’s an aura of hope in the air; it’s hard not to think a Santa rally could take us to even higher highs. It’s been quite a while, but stocks may finally have what it takes to sustainably power higher from here.

Of course, chasing market rallies (especially sharp ones) can be a recipe for disaster. That said, valuations don’t look too absurd. And if you take a look at some of the market’s more battered plays, I think waiting around for a pullback to those October lows makes little sense, especially after the recent cool inflation reading.

Sure, food and shelter are still getting absurdly expensive. But there’s hope that costs could begin to backtrack, perhaps sooner rather than later. Additionally, Black Friday and the holiday season may be the nudge it takes to push consumers to open up their wallets a bit wider.

In this piece, we’ll check out three retail stocks that I’d watch to run going into Santa rally season!

Spin Master

Spin Master (TSX:TOY) is a toymaker that’s been hit at the hands of a weakened consumer. The stock has pretty much traded sideways since its late 2022 plunge. As the holidays approach, I think Spin and the rest of the toy industry could be in for a wave of relief.

At the end of the day, Spin Master makes the must-have toys of the year. And as consumers start feeling a bit more optimistic going into year’s end, perhaps parents may be more generous with gift-giving this time of year. Full-year guidance has been recently reduced, so I think there’s room for a positive surprise.

Of course, it will probably take more than a hot season of sales to propel Spin stock much higher from here. In any case, I think the valuation is modest at 15.65 times trailing price to earnings ahead of a consumer-spending environment that may inch closer toward normalcy.

Created with Highcharts 11.4.3Spin Master PriceZoom1M3M6MYTD1Y5Y10YALLwww.fool.ca

Aritzia

Aritzia (TSX:ATZ) is another hard-hit discretionary play that’s in need of a relief rally. Unlike Spin Master, Aritzia has been violently crashing over the past year, shedding over 53% of its value over the timespan. Can things go from bad to worse? If the economy sags lower from here, then sure, ATZ stock’s pains could continue for another year or more.

That said, I’m a firm believer in the brand and the growth story. If the economy turns, ATZ stock may be quick to make up for lost time. Whether ATZ can inch higher for the holidays, though, remains to be seen. I have no idea what the near-term trajectory will be. That said, I view shares as oversold and dirt cheap at $23 and change. If you like the brand, why not nibble on a few shares this Black Friday?

Sure, there’s no way around margin pressures. But if you’re looking for a post-recession performer, I think you may be looking at one with Aritizia.

Created with Highcharts 11.4.3Aritzia PriceZoom1M3M6MYTD1Y5Y10YALLwww.fool.ca

Should you invest $1,000 in Aritzia right now?

Before you buy stock in Aritzia, consider this:

The Motley Fool Stock Advisor Canada analyst team just identified what they believe are the Top Stocks for 2025 and Beyond for investors to buy now… and Aritzia wasn’t one of them. The Top Stocks that made the cut could potentially produce monster returns in the coming years.

Consider MercadoLibre, which we first recommended on January 8, 2014 ... if you invested $1,000 in the “eBay of Latin America” at the time of our recommendation, you’d have $20,697.16!*

Stock Advisor Canada provides investors with an easy-to-follow blueprint for success, including guidance on building a portfolio, regular updates from analysts, and two new stock picks each month – one from Canada and one from the U.S. The Stock Advisor Canada service has outperformed the return of S&P/TSX Composite Index by 29 percentage points since 2013*.

See the Top Stocks * Returns as of 3/20/25

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 Joey Frenette has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Aritzia. The Motley Fool recommends Spin Master. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

Confidently Navigate Market Volatility: Claim Your Free Report!

Feeling uneasy about the ups and downs of the stock market lately? You’re not alone. At The Motley Fool Canada, we get it — and we’re here to help. We’ve crafted an essential guide designed to help you through these uncertain times: "5-Step Checklist: How to Prepare Your Portfolio for Volatility."

Don't miss out on this opportunity for peace of mind. Just click below to learn how to receive your complimentary report today!

Get Our Free Report Today

More on Investing

dividends grow over time
Stocks for Beginners

The Top Canadian Stocks to Buy Right Away With $4,000

If you only have $4,000 to invest, then these Canadian stocks are some of the best options out there.

Read more »

grow money, wealth build
Dividend Stocks

Why I’d Invest $10,000 in This Undervalued Dividend-Growth Stock for Decades of Income

This undervalued dividend stock offers a high yield of over 8% and can help you earn more than $200 in…

Read more »

Start line on the highway
Tech Stocks

Where I’d Invest $5,000 in Growth Stocks With Long-Term Potential Through 2030

DO you have $5,000 to invest to grow your wealth over the long term? These growth stocks could deliver strong…

Read more »

Asset Management
Investing

2 Canadian Value Stocks I’d Buy Now and Hold for a Lifetime

Here are two cheap Canadian stocks investors can buy and hold for outsized gains in 2025 and beyond.

Read more »

tsx today
Stock Market

TSX Today: Why Canadian Stocks Could Fall on Thursday, April 3

TSX stocks may come under pressure today as sharp commodity declines and Trump’s sweeping new tariffs spark fresh concerns over…

Read more »

A shopper makes purchases from an online store.
Tech Stocks

Buy the Dip on the Return of Recession Stocks?

If a recession comes back, there are some stocks that could fair well afterwards. And this is one of the…

Read more »

RRSP Canadian Registered Retirement Savings Plan concept
Retirement

Here’s the Average Canadian TFSA and RRSP at Age 60

Many Canadian retirees have tens of thousands invested in ETFs like the iShares S&P/TSX 60 Index Fund (TSX:XIU).

Read more »

TFSA (Tax-Free Savings Account) on wooden blocks and Canadian one hundred dollar bills.
Dividend Stocks

Here’s Exactly How a $20,000 TFSA Could Potentially Grow to $200,000

Index funds like the iShares S&P/TSX Capped Composite Index (TSX:XIC) are tax free in a TFSA.

Read more »