New York (CNN Business) Target's CEO Brian Cornell talks often about the split in retail between winners and losers. Target is clearly in the winners' camp right now and is set to benefit during the holidays.

The big box retailer delivered another quarter of higher sales in stores and online and raised its earnings guidance going into the holiday shopping stretch. Sales at stores open at least a year and online grew 4.5% during the retailer's third quarter compared with 2018, while its income increased close to 15% for the same period.

Cornell credited Target's "highly differentiated" merchandise value, in-store shopping experience and convenient online shopping options for its strong sales. Target has also taken advantage of store closures by Toys 'R Us and others to expand its toy selection.

Target's TGT stock rallied around 9% during pre-market trading. Target's stock has gained 67% this year, making it one of the leading stocks on the S&P 500 this year.

Walmart WMT Home Depot HD Kohl's KSS JCPenney JCP Retailers have reported mixed earnings heading into the holidays.and Target have grown sales, whileandstruggled.

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