It's time to re-enter the retail sector, from an investment standpoint, but only selectively, and a good starting point is Williams-Sonoma Inc. (WSM).

The argument here is that higher-end retail chains like Williams-Sonoma will bounce back sooner than general consumer retail. Hence, the "frugal consumer" trend remains in force, but high-end consumers, encouraged by a recovering U.S. economy, will start to part with a few more bucks at the mall in 2010.

A choppy, indecisive market requires a defensive play or two as a safety net, and a defensive stock worthy of consideration is Newell Rubbermaid (NYSE: NWL).

Newell Rubbermaid doesn't strictly fit the definition of a defensive stock, but its signature product, combined with its overall diversity in the consumer product space, make the stock a worthy consideration.

Newell Rubbermaid's signature product is the food storage container. At first glance, one could argue that U.S. shoppers will buy fewer of these containers as the U.S. economy slows, as it is, strictly speaking, a discretionary purchase. Still, we know from previous belt-tightening periods Americans tend to cut back on dining out. Undoubtedly that means more home prepared meals, and leftovers, which need containers -- a positive trend for Rubbermaid.

Continuing with our defensive stock series: given the current choppy / consolidating markets (or perhaps worse), Tupperware (NYSE: TUP) doesn't strictly-fit the defensive stock definition, as it's in the consumer / discretionary segment. Still, given TUP's potential, it warrants a review by investors.

Tupperware's signature product is the food storage container that carries the company's patented seal. One could make the case that U.S. shoppers will buy fewer of these containers as the U.S. economy slows, as they are, strictly speaking, a discretionary purchase. Still, we know from previous belt-tightening periods Americans tend to cut back on dining out. Undoubtedly that means more home prepared meals, and leftovers, which need containers -- a positive trend for Tupperware.

Further, with sales in more than 100 countries, Tupperware is adequately-positioned to benefit from continued good-to-excellent GDP growth in emerging markets. The Reuters F2007/2008 revenue consensus estimates for TUP are $1.91 billion / $1.99 billion. Tupperware's shares fell $1.83 to $33.63 in Wednesday afternoon trading.