MajorsJul 13, 2021
Signet Lands on NRF’s Top 100 Retailers ListSurveysAug 11, 2021
These Are the Fastest-Growing Retailers, Says NRF
One thing all the listed retailers have in common? A strong brand identity.
The National Retail Federation’s “Hot 25 Retailers” list showcases the fastest-growing retail companies in the United States.
Washington—The National Retail Federation has released its “Hot 25 Retailers” list highlighting the fastest-growing retail companies in the United States.
The annual rankings, compiled by data analytics company Kantar, are measured using year-over-year percentage increases in domestic sales; so, for this year’s list, 2019 vs. 2020.
All retail companies with more than $300 million in U.S. sales are eligible for inclusion on the list.
In 2021, Wine.com topped the list, bolstered by the rise in online shopping.
The annual rankings, compiled by data analytics company Kantar, are measured using year-over-year percentage increases in domestic sales; so, for this year’s list, 2019 vs. 2020.
All retail companies with more than $300 million in U.S. sales are eligible for inclusion on the list.
In 2021, Wine.com topped the list, bolstered by the rise in online shopping.
“Last year, you could do anything you wanted to. As long as you were able to get product to a shopper, you could make money.” — David Marcotte, Kantar
The company posted 99 percent sales growth in the U.S., totaling $329 million in 2020 compared with $165 million in 2019.
“Wine, generally speaking, is an emotional purchase,” said David Marcotte, senior vice president for Kantar, in a press release about the list. “People want to look at it, engage with it or collect it.”
Overstock.com came in second place with 75 percent sales growth, followed by online fashion retailer Boohoo Group with 60 percent growth.
Furniture e-tailer Wayfair was in fourth place followed by 1-800-Flowers.com.
In 2020, companies with a strong social media presence had the upper hand.
“Billboards don’t work really well when everybody is in lockdown,” said Marcotte. “But social media does.”
Rewinding five years, Blue Apron was in the top spot, followed by Wayfair and Ascena Retail Group, a testament to the importance of “a symbiotic relationship between digital and physical retailing.”
“I don’t think that’s changed too much,” said Marcotte. “I think, actually, the secret going into 2021-22 is having a profitable mix of digital and physical.”
“Last year, you could do anything you wanted to. As long as you were able to get product to a shopper, you could make money. As we get more and more competitive pressure coming to be, and shoppers get more price sensitive, then you have to start looking at profitability more intensely.”
Despite 2020 being an “outlier year,” retailers should still take the opportunity to look at what the successful e-tailers did and figure out which elements might work in their own businesses.
It’s also worth noting that all the companies on the list have a strong brand identity, said Marcotte, highlighting 1-800-Flowers.com, Inc., Boxed.com, Dollar General, Lululemon and Ollie’s Bargain Outlet specifically.
“I’m not sure I would say that’s a surprise, but it is something that stands out,” he said.
“They went into 2020 with a strong identification already. From there, their growth built out very quickly. For the most part, these companies did not need to build new capabilities to grow in 2020. They came into the year with the right tools. And that worked out for them pretty well.”
Read the full list here.
“Billboards don’t work really well when everybody is in lockdown,” said Marcotte. “But social media does.”
Rewinding five years, Blue Apron was in the top spot, followed by Wayfair and Ascena Retail Group, a testament to the importance of “a symbiotic relationship between digital and physical retailing.”
“I don’t think that’s changed too much,” said Marcotte. “I think, actually, the secret going into 2021-22 is having a profitable mix of digital and physical.”
“Last year, you could do anything you wanted to. As long as you were able to get product to a shopper, you could make money. As we get more and more competitive pressure coming to be, and shoppers get more price sensitive, then you have to start looking at profitability more intensely.”
Despite 2020 being an “outlier year,” retailers should still take the opportunity to look at what the successful e-tailers did and figure out which elements might work in their own businesses.
It’s also worth noting that all the companies on the list have a strong brand identity, said Marcotte, highlighting 1-800-Flowers.com, Inc., Boxed.com, Dollar General, Lululemon and Ollie’s Bargain Outlet specifically.
“I’m not sure I would say that’s a surprise, but it is something that stands out,” he said.
“They went into 2020 with a strong identification already. From there, their growth built out very quickly. For the most part, these companies did not need to build new capabilities to grow in 2020. They came into the year with the right tools. And that worked out for them pretty well.”
Read the full list here.
More on Surveys
The Latest
MajorsJul 02, 2025
Boucheron Looks to LA for First West Coast FlagshipLocated on Rodeo Drive, the store’s design was inspired by Hollywood and Los Angeles culture.
MajorsJul 02, 2025
Marco Bicego Opens Milan FlagshipThe new location continues the brand’s celebration of its 25th anniversary.
WatchesJul 02, 2025
Chrono24 Revamps Brand, Launches New CampaignThe online watch marketplace’s “Time Is Our Thing” campaign highlights the importance of time.
Brought to you by
Investing in the Next Generation of Bench JewelersThe Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship from Jewelers of America returns for a second year.
SourcingJul 02, 2025
Bernadette Mack Joins Gem Legacy as Executive DirectorShe will oversee strategic planning, fundraising, industry partnerships, and the launch of the Gem Legacy Campus in Tanzania.
Weekly QuizJul 02, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
CrimeJul 02, 2025
Pandora, Amazon Partner to Uncover Counterfeit Jewelry NetworkWorking with Amazon’s Counterfeit Crimes Unit and law enforcement, Pandora helped to shut down a large-scale counterfeit network in China.
MajorsJul 01, 2025
Cast Closes Business, Plans for RelaunchThe jewelry company has closed its three California brick-and-mortar stores, as well as its online shop, for now.
Brought to you by
Jewelers of America is Headed to Las Vegas for JCK 2025The countdown is on for the JCK Las Vegas Show and JA is pulling out all the stops.
Events & AwardsJul 01, 2025
William Goldberg Diamonds, FIT Partner for Apprenticeship ProgramThe company is providing the opportunity for an FIT student to work alongside master diamond cutter Willie Lopez in its workshop.
IndependentsJul 01, 2025
Elie Hannoush, Founder of Hannoush Jewelers, Dies at 73He is remembered for his successful entrepreneurship, generosity, and dedication to his family.
MajorsJul 01, 2025
Claire’s Is Looking for a Buyer, Report SaysThe jewelry store chain has reportedly been struggling with costs related to tariffs as well as tough retail competition.
TrendsJul 01, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: Red Hot RubiesWelcome warm summer days with red hot rubies perfectly chosen as July’s birthstone.
CollectionsJun 30, 2025
State Property’s New Jewelry Tells ‘The Story of Everything’Co-founders Afzal Imram and Lin Ruiyin brought their son’s story of a cosmic egg, toadstool, and railroad to life in their new collection.
ColumnistsJun 30, 2025
The Smart Lab: Why Q3 Is the Secret Weapon For Holiday Jewelry SalesThe best time to prepare for the holiday season is right now, according to columnist Emmanuel Raheb.
Events & AwardsJun 30, 2025
AGA Names Recipient of 2025 Gemological Education ScholarshipThis year’s winner is Morgan Keefe, who is currently studying at GIA to be a gemologist.
IndependentsJun 30, 2025
Melanie Grant’s New Book Explores 200 Years of Jewelry“The Jewelry Book” comes out this September.
TechnologyJun 27, 2025
Gemist Raises $6M in Funding to Scale Jewelry Tech PlatformThe company is focused on modernizing the custom jewelry buying experience with e-commerce tools like product visualization and 3D styling.
IndependentsJun 27, 2025
David Webb Announces New Hires, PromotionsFollowing its recent acquisition, the storied brand has updated its leadership team and regional managers.
Events & AwardsJun 27, 2025
AGS, GIA Announce Beatrice Shipley Scholarship Winner AGS also named the recipient of its “Women in Leadership” scholarship.
CollectionsJun 27, 2025
Piece of the Week: Buddha Mama’s ‘Monstera’ Wrap RingThe 20-karat yellow gold and diamond wrap ring is modeled after the Monstera plants in the garden of the brand’s Miami villa.
MajorsJun 26, 2025
Why Rocksbox Is Opening Stores As Signet Jewelers DownsizesRocksbox President Allison Vigil shared the retailer’s expansion plans, and her thoughts on opening stores in malls.
IndependentsJun 26, 2025
Penny Ruston Dies at 80 The creator of the WJA Chicago chapter is remembered as a champion for women in the jewelry industry and a loving grandmother.
CollectionsJun 26, 2025
Jam Out With Sorellina’s Jimi Hendrix-Inspired JewelsThe “Playlist: Electric Dreams” collection brings lyrics from the musician’s song, “Little Wing,” to life through fine jewelry.
Events & AwardsJun 26, 2025
The Jewelry Symposium Is Looking for Speakers for 2026 EventThe event is set for May 16-19 in Detroit, Michigan.
IndependentsJun 25, 2025
Marissa Collections Opens in Nantucket as Legal Fight ContinuesThe Vault’s Katherine Jetter is accusing the retailer of using info she shared for a potential partnership to move into Nantucket.
CrimeJun 25, 2025
Customs Nabs Another Big Shipment of Fake Cartier, Van Cleef JewelryAgents seized 2,193 pieces, a mix of counterfeit Cartier “Love” and “Juste Un Clou” bracelets, and Van Cleef & Arpels’ “Alhambra” design.
CollectionsJun 25, 2025
Splash into Karina Choudhrie’s Collection of Underwater Circus PerformersThe designer brought her children’s book, “The Big Splash Circus,” to life through a collection of playful fine jewelry characters.
