9:35AM New York – Retailers report weak sales and earnings as consumers curtail discretionary spending.

The Home Depot, Inc, the world''s largest home improvement retailer reported second quarter sales decreased 5.4% to $21.0 billion from $22.2 billion a year ago. Net income in the quarter dropped 24.33% to $1.2 billion or 71 cents per diluted share compared to net income of $1.6 billion or 81 cents per share, a year ago. Comparable same store sales declined 7.9%.

The Home Depot, Inc (HD: chart) in the last one year traded as high as $38.54 in August 2007 and as low as $20.76 in July 2008. Based on the yesterday’s closing price the company has a market cap of $45.75 billion.

Medtronic, Inc, a global player in medical technology reported first quarter revenues increased 19% to $3.706 billion from $3.127 billion a year ago. Net income in the quarter increased 11% to $747 million or 66 cents per diluted share compared to net income of $675 million or 59 cents per share, a year ago.

Medtronic, Inc (MDT: chart) in the last one year traded as high as $57.99 in October 2007 and as low as $44.26 in November 2007. Based on the yesterday’s closing price the company has a market cap of $60.16 billion.

Saks Incorporated, luxury retailer reported second quarter sales decreased 3.6% to $669.2 million from $694.1 million a year ago. Net loss in the quarter was $31.7 million or 23 cents per diluted share compared to net loss of $24.6 million or 17 cents per share, a year ago. Sales at stores open at least a year declining 4%.

Saks Incorporated (SKS: chart) in the last one year traded as high as $23.05 in November 2007 and as low as $9.15 in July 2008. Based on the yesterday’s closing price the company has a market cap of $1.61 billion.

Target Corporation, discount retailer reported second quarter sales grew 5.7% to $15.0 billion from $14.2 billion a year ago. Net income in the quarter declined 7.6% to $634 million or 82 cents per diluted share compared to net income of $686 million or 80 cents per share, a year ago. Comparable store sales decline 0.4%.

Target Corporation (TGT: chart) in the last one year traded as high as $68.50 in October 2007 and as low as $42.32 in July 2008. Based on the yesterday’s closing price the company has a market cap of $38.96 billion.