"While many firms are struggling to survive, a lucky minority are built to weather the storm better," says growth stock specialist Karim Rahemtulla. In Xcelerated Profits Report, he eyes Costco Wholesale (NASDAQ: COST).

"Thanks to rising inflation and unemployment, coupled with a beaten-up economy, many retailers are braced for a harsh new reality this holiday season.

"Consumers have much tighter budgets and are cutting back on whatever they can. And that's where some 'one-stop' retailers like Costco can really take advantage.

"Although customers are more likely to avoid the electronics and other non-necessity stocking sections of the store these days, they still need to eat.

"So while other non-food departments are seeing a sales slowdown, Goldman Sachs recently reported that Costco is likely to enjoy strong food sales, which offset that.

"Goldman also noted that Costco boasts a strong balance sheet, with almost $3.3 billion in cash on the books, plus ample liquidity - factors that could encourage management to implement a stock buyback program.

"Compared to other retailers who are flat-out dreading this holiday season, that puts Costco in a strong position.

"And because the store has such a diverse range of products, all under one roof and available at bargain prices, Costco is one firm better prepared to ride out what could be a brutal season for retailers."

Steven Halpern's TheStockAdvisors.com offers a daily look at the latest market commentary and favorite stock picks and investment ideas from the nation's leading financial newsletter advisors.

"Finding its way onto the short-term bullish list is discount retailer Costco Wholesale (NASDAQ: COST), our 'focus stock of the week'," says Chris Johnson in his contrarian advisor service, Insightful Investor.

"The warehouse giant is currently seeing a positive mix of technical strength along with growing pessimism that makes it a potential outperformer. Costco is one company that has maintained a level of demand not seen throughout the bulk of the retailing sector.

"COST's core business, which caters to small businesses and households willing to buy in bulk, has maintained strength despite the slowing economy. In fact, the company's latest earnings report, released March 5, beat analyst expectations by 23%.

"Reflective of its fundamental strength, COST's stock price has remained a relative strength leader by trading above its 50-day moving average. The equity has outperformed not only most of its peers in the retail group, but the overall market as well.

Each year Steven Halpern, editor of TheStockAdvisors.com, surveys the leading financial newsletter advisors asking for their favorite stocks for the coming year. This article is part of his 24th annual Top Picks Report.

Big Lots Inc. (NYSE: BIG) is a favorite conservative idea from David Fried, editor of The Buyback Letter. He explains, "Investors should indulge their 'inner bargain hunter' and put the nation's largest closeout retailer, Big Lots, in their stock shopping basket.

"Shopping -- and particularly deal hunting -- continue to be hugely popular pastimes, and discount stores are a good pick in a crummy or waffling economy. The company keeps a flexible inventory, has well-located and plentiful retail locations, and its sheer size ($2.5 billion market cap) gives it international buying power smaller chains cannot match.

"A new CEO has focused Big Lots, closing underperforming stores and introducing a new goal to encourage existing customers to spend more per visit. This strategy, called 'raise the ring,' has revived sales growth and paid off in improved earnings.