A walk through any shopping center in America tells the story of a retail industry in trouble. Major markdowns before the holidays may spur consumers to spend, but for stores barely hanging on, it may not mean profits.

Amidst mixed sales news, for some, this economy represents opportunity.  Aaron’s , Inc. is part of a segment of the retail industry bucking the trend and growing while others are suffering.

With nearly 1,700 stores in 48 states, Aaron’s hired approximately 650 employees in 2008 and 1,000 in 2009.  The company opened 120 new stores in 2009 and has plans to open an additional 178.

U.S. News and World Report analyzed data on 140 companies to see which ones made gains since the recession started in 2007.

Aaron’s, a lease to own furniture chain, ranked number one. Revenue growth and rising stock prices –proof that their business model positions them for success according company CEO Robin Loudermilk. “We offer a unique program that no one else in the country offers.”

U.S. News also identified Staples as a winner.  Ranked ninth on their list, the office supply superstore expanded their Canadian presence by buying Corporate Express and added stores in the United States and Europe.  The chain focused on copy and printing services to bolster in-store sales.  The box-store also has one of the busiest web-sites in the world.

Rival Office Depot saw stock prices fall nearly 80% since December 2007 and the chain closed 118 stores.

Hot products also help.  Amazon.com saw sales soar Cyber-Monday, garnering nearly 16% of online traffic and raking it #1 on the web according to Experian Hitwise – beating both Walmart and Target.  The online only retailer also has one of the holiday season’s hottest items, the Kindle, a wireless electronic device that can hold a library’s worth of books.  U.S. News placed Amazon number three on its list, citing strong sales and revenue growth.

O’Reilly Automotive also looked to a slumping economy as a path to opportunity.  The auto parts retailer purchased 1,345 CSK Auto stores in 2008.  With consumers holding on to aging vehicles longer, the company’s 3,300 outlets are well-positioned to meet the needs of consumers who want to fix their vehicle instead of replacing one.  The company also benefits from the closure of thousands of General Motors and Chrysler dealerships which also means the closure of service departments.