The strong performance from the retail sector continued on Thursday after forecast-beating results from bellwether Dixons brightened the outlook for Britain's High Streets.Dixons, which sells electricals such as laptops, cameras and kitchen appliances in the UK through its PC World and Currys chains, saw its share price surge to its highest levels in four years after the firm said that pre-tax profits for the full year should come in at the top end of the £75-85m forecast range.The group said that its businesses delivered "encouraging performances" in the year to April 30th, while the strong cash generation meant that it achieved a year-end net cash position for the first time in years."Amongst all the gloom in the retail sector, Dixons has been one of the stars of the last couple of years with the shares nearly quadrupling from 10p lows," said Ronnie Chopra, Head of Strategy at Tradenext."With the demise of Comet, Dixons has increased market share and the showroom overhauls have encouraged customers to enter shops and buy goods. Today's positive trading statement [...] is welcome news after years of disappointment, and a clear sign of a recovering economy."Car retailer Inchcape was also a high riser today after unveiling a 4.5% rise in revenues in the first four months of 2013, helped by a strong performance in April against a tough comparative.Even Next, the High Street fashion and homeware chain, was making gains despite saying that its Property Director is planning to leave next year. The company said that Andrew Valey has been an "immensely important part of Next's history and success".The FTSE 350 general retail sector has performed particularly strongly since the start of 2013, with the category up over 19% and trading at levels not seen since mid-2007, before the financial crisis hit global financial markets and consumers' pockets. Over the last 12 months, the sector has gained 42%.Top performing sectors so far todayGeneral Retailers 2,373.18 +1.75%Fixed Line Telecommunications 3,654.31 +1.45%Personal Goods 22,721.68 +1.44%Automobiles & Parts 6,918.34 +1.20%Travel & Leisure 6,501.88 +1.09%Bottom performing sectors so far todayIndustrial Metals & Mining 1,735.94 -2.33%Food Producers & Processors 7,665.15 -1.08%Gas, Water & Multiutilities 6,168.74 -0.89%Mining 16,586.63 -0.71%Construction & Materials 3,791.35 -0.55%