As anticipated, January brought with it figures confirming sluggish retail sales after a general increase in both taxes and gasoline prices. While a 0.5 percent rise in sales was reported in December of 2011, this past December showed a dismal 0.1 increase in overall sales in the retail sector. Are the numbers destined to remain essentially flat or will they rebound and make for profitable future investment options? And if so, what are the market giants and emerging growth companies that you should definitely keep an eye on?