The impending release of Australian retail sales data tomorrow will put the focus on our listed retailers and help set the scene for next month's reporting...

The impending release of Australian retail sales data tomorrow will put the focus on our listed retailers and help set the scene for next month's reporting season. But there's one stock with more to prove come February. Economists are forecasting a 0.2% rise in retail spending for the month of November and there are early signs of buoyant Christmas sales thanks to discounting. That's good news for the retailers' topline but may not translate so well to their profit line. This essentially sums up my expectation for Specialty Fashion Group Ltd (ASX: SFH), with the women's apparel retailer tipped to produce a notable uplift in sales but skinnier margins as it beds down last year's acquisition of Rivers. The market is not ascribing much success on that front with the stock tumbling 22% in the last six months to near a two-year low of 71 cents. Find out what's priced in the stock (VIEW LINK)