The Retail sector is suddenly the center of attention after industry analysts raise demand expectations after a stronger usage report.

That's a big deal because it touches every company in the group at once — but not equally. Companies with healthy cash flow and solid leadership are in the best position to turn this into real wins, while companies already weighed down by debt or shaky management could struggle to keep up.

If you're holding stocks in this sector, the strongest, best-led companies look like the ones most likely to ride this higher.