NEW YORK, NY--(Marketwire - Jan 13, 2012) - Holiday discounts helped cool U.S. Retail sales last month. December's 0.1 percent gain follows a 0.4 percent advance in November retail sales that was more than initially reported, Bloomberg reports. On the upside, the National Retail Federation (NRF) reports that sales at clothing and clothing accessories stores increased 0.7 percent seasonally adjusted over November and "a very strong" 7.9 percent unadjusted year-over-year. Five Star Equities examines investing opportunities in the Retail (Apparel) Industry and provides Stock research on Lululemon Athletica Inc. (NASDAQ: [ LULU ]) (TSX: [ LLL ]) and Urban Outfitters, Inc. (NASDAQ: [ URBN ]). Access to the full company reports can be found at:

[ www.fivestarequities.com/LULU ]

[ www.fivestarequities.com/URBN ]

Urban Outfitters, Inc. (Urban Outfitters) is a lifestyle specialty retail company that operates under the Urban Outfitters, Anthropologie, Free People, Terrain, Leifsdottir and BHLDN brands. The Company also operates a wholesale segment under the Free People and Leifsdottir brands. Its retail stores offer collections of fashion apparel, accessories and home goods.

Last week Urban Outfitters said that revenue for November and December rose 11 percent but challenging competition and a drive to reduce inventory led to more markdowns than expected during the crucial holiday sales period. Shares of Urban Outfitters were hammered earlier this week after CEO Glen Senk resigned. Richard Hayne, the company's co-founder, chairman and president, has succeeded him.

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Lululemon Athletica Inc. is a designer and retailer of technical athletic apparel operating primarily in North America and Australia. The Company's yoga-inspired apparel is marketed under the Lululemon Athletica brand name. Earlier this week the company raised its fiscal fourth-quarter earnings and revenue outlooks, citing its better-than-expected revenue from the sale of its athletic gear.

The company said that it now expects earnings between 47 cents and 49 cents per share for the period ending Jan. 29. Its prior forecast was for earnings in a range of 40 cents to 42 cents per share.

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