Surveys

These Are The 25 Hottest Retailers, Says NRF

SurveysAug 13, 2025

These Are The 25 Hottest Retailers, Says NRF

JD Sports and Wawa were among the fastest-growing retail companies in the U.S. last year.

People shopping in a mall
The National Retail Federation debuted this year’s “Hot 25 Retailers” list, ranking the fastest-growing retail companies in the U.S.
Washington—The National Retail Federation has unveiled its list of the 25 hottest retailers in the U.S.

This year’s “Hot 25 Retailers” list highlights the fastest-growing retail companies in the U.S., ranking them by increases in domestic sales between 2023 and 2024.

All retailers with global sales above $2 billion were eligible for the list.

British sports and fashion retailer JD Sports was in the No. 1 spot with 42 percent year-over-year growth.

The brand’s placement is due in part to its recent acquisitions of Hibbett, City Gear, and Sports Addition, acquiring an additional 1,200 stores in 36 states.

Dublin-based fashion retailer Primark was in the No. 2 spot with sales up 30 percent.

Fast Retailing, the Japanese parent company of brands like Uniqlo, was No. 3 with 28 percent sales growth.

The apparel retailer has also been expanding its footprint, noted David Marcotte, senior vice president of global retail and technology for Kantar, the company that compiles the list.

He highlighted the chain’s use of smart technology and “the best hands-free instantaneous point of sale that I’ve seen.”

Japanese retailers Daiso Sangyo (No. 13) and Muji (No. 14) also made the list.

Oil titan Shell was in the No. 4 spot with sales up 27 percent following its purchase of Timewise stores from Landmark and Brewer from Brewer Oil.

Fashion retailer Abercrombie & Fitch was at No. 5 with sales up 15 percent as the mall staple undergoes a rebrand.

 Related stories will be right here … 

One of the biggest surprises on the list, according to the NRF, is Amazon’s return to the top 25, landing at No. 11.

It’s the second-largest retailer, as per NRF’s 2025 “Top 100” list, but still grew at a strong enough pace (9 percent year-over-year) to make it back on the list.

While the list doesn’t include retailers who are primarily a marketplace, NRF noted that Amazon is more diverse since it has physical sales, marketplace services, and a growing retail footprint through Amazon stores and Whole Foods.

The marketplace model, said Marcotte, “is one I would expect more people to get into in the current environment.”

Several retailers on the list, like JD Sports and Shell, earned their spots via acquisitions, but those types of investments have slowed in 2025 due to market uncertainty and the reserving of cash that followed, said Marcotte.

“If that holds throughout the remainder of 2025, stores will have to find new ways to grow to make next year’s list,” said NRF.

While some companies acquired fellow retailers, others expanded their store counts, like Fast Retailing and Ollie’s Bargain Outlet (No. 21).

Notably, food retailers had a strong presence this year, with 60 percent of the top 10 retailers being food-related.

For the grocers on the list, each has found its own niche in the market, said NRF.

Sprouts Farmers Market (No. 8) shows “operational excellence,” said Marcotte, and has strong social media engagement with its shoppers.

“Everything shows up on social, whether you want to or not,” said Marcotte. “You can’t always have a proactive plan to get better engagement. It’s much more operational excellence that gets them into social media successfully.”

Family-owned Festival Foods (No. 24) in Wisconsin and Pennsylvania-based Wawa (No. 23) have expanded beyond their home turfs.

“Wawa has a very careful, well-thought-through strategic plan for expansion. If they’re opening in a market, they firmly believe they have something they can move,” said Marcotte.

See the full list here.

The Latest

Emmanuel Raheb, CEO of Smart Age Solutions and National Jeweler columnist
ColumnistsSep 23, 2025
Quiet Luxury: What Fall’s Top Trend Means for Jewelers

Emmanuel Raheb shares tips on how a jeweler’s showcases, marketing, and social media presence can whisper, instead of shout.

Claire’s storefront
MajorsSep 23, 2025
Ames Watson Completes $140M Acquisition of Claire’s

The private equity firm has a plan to revive the mall staple.

Super Smalls Super Book of Gems, Maria Dueñas Jacobs, and Bianca Gottesman
SourcingSep 23, 2025
Super Smalls’ New Book Introduces Kids to Gems, Fine Jewelry

The “Super Book of Gems” dives into the Mohs Hardness Scale, the Four C’s, and designs from jewelers like Cartier and Bulgari.

reDollar-fine-jewelry-department.jpg
Brought to you by
reDollar.com Is Rolling Out the Next Level Jewelry, Diamond & Watch Consignment Program

With their unmatched services and low fees, reDollar.com is challenging some big names in the online consignment world.

Mattioli CEO Claudio Pasta
MajorsSep 23, 2025
Mattioli Names Kering Exec as New CEO

Claudio Pasta will take the lead at the Italian fine jewelry brand, succeeding company founder Licia Mattioli.

Weekly QuizSep 19, 2025
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
Monique Lhuillier fashion jewelry Kay
CollectionsSep 23, 2025
Monique Lhuillier Adds Fashion Jewelry to Kay Jewelers Line

The new lab-grown diamond jewelry offering is the latest expansion of the designer’s “Bliss” collection.

Rio Tinto tender
SourcingSep 22, 2025
Rio Tinto Announces Final ‘Beyond Rare’ Tender

The miner is honoring the end of an era with an offering of 52 lots from the now-closed Argyle and the soon-to-close Diavik mines.

japac-btyb.png
Brought to you by
Rallying Call for the Jewelry Industry on Tariffs and Other Key Issues

Jewelers of America is leading the charge to protect the industry amidst rising economic threats.

Vibhor and Alor logos
MajorsSep 22, 2025
Jewelry Manufacturer Vibhor Acquires Alor

The California-based fine jewelry brand will retain its identity post-acquisition, with new collections launching next year.

Gurhan Crown Gold Aquamarine Peacock
CollectionsSep 22, 2025
Gurhan's Collection is an 'Untamed' Zoo

The “Untamed” collection centers on carved gemstone jewelry depicting a range of animals embodying one of the four elemental forces.

Community for Ethical Jewelry logo
Policies & IssuesSep 22, 2025
Ethical Metalsmiths Has a New Name

Founded in 2004, the organization is now called the Community for Ethical Jewelry.

Madison Keys
EditorsSep 19, 2025
These Female Athletes Had the Best Jewelry of the Summer

From Coco Gauff’s hoops to Madison Keys’ diamond medallion, these are Senior Editor Lenore Fedow’s standout jewelry looks of the season.

Vanessa Fernández Studio Curva Wrap Hoops
CollectionsSep 19, 2025
Piece of the Week: Vanessa Fernández Studio’s ‘Curva’ Wrap Hoops

The trendy earrings feature asymmetrical drops, one with a grossular garnet and the other with a diamond.

Graphic for A Step-by-Step Guide to Using TikTok and Instagram Reels webinar
Recorded WebinarsSep 19, 2025
Watch: A Step-by-Step Guide to Using TikTok and Instagram Reels

Four social media marketing experts discuss their go-to methods and favorite tools for making high-quality short-form video content.

agta-sb-0925.png
Supplier BulletinSep 18, 2025
Will Your Design Define 2026? Enter The Spectrum & Cutting Edge Awards

Sponsored by American Gem Trade Association

Pandora distribution facility Maryland rendering
MajorsSep 18, 2025
Pandora to Open New Distribution Center in Maryland

The jewelry giant will relocate its existing facility to a larger space in Anne Arundel.

Garçon New York Campaign Imagery
CollectionsSep 18, 2025
Ashley Zhang Launches Garçon New York

The designer, who is the creative force behind her namesake brand, has now started a new mini line focusing on chains for fathers and sons.

Swiss Gemmological Institute SSEF
SourcingSep 18, 2025
SSEF Opens Applications for 2 Gemology Education Scholarships

The awards include tuition for a course at the Swiss lab, economy flights, and hotel accommodation.

Hill & Co. AI Strategy Graphic
TechnologySep 18, 2025
Hill & Co. Launches AI Strategy Program

The 21-day program was designed to help jewelry retailers identify opportunities and eliminate inefficiencies with AI.

Set of four Patek Philippe “Star Caliber 2000” pocket watches
AuctionsSep 17, 2025
Mythical Set of Patek Philippe Pocket Watches Expected to Sell for $10M+

A set of four Patek Philippe “Star Caliber 2000” pocket watches is part of Sotheby’s upcoming auction in Abu Dhabi.

Journey of a Jeweler by Silvia Furmanovich
TrendsSep 17, 2025
Silvia Furmanovich’s Book Tells the ‘Journey of a Jeweler’

The Brazilian jeweler’s latest book marks her namesake brand’s 25th anniversary and tells the tale of her worldwide collaborations.

1978 Rolex Submariner Ref. 1680 Tiffany Dial
WatchesSep 17, 2025
Bob’s Watches Acquires Vintage Rolex Won on ‘The Price is Right’

The Submariner Ref. 1680 with a Tiffany & Co. dial came from the original owner, who won it as a prize on the game show in the 1970s.

Jewelers Mutual Group logo
TechnologySep 17, 2025
Jewelers Mutual Launches Shipping Solution App for Shopify

The new integration allows users to manage shipments directly from the Shopify dashboard.

Shot of one of the pools at the Omni La Costa Resort & Spa in Carlsbad, California
EditorsSep 16, 2025
Out & About: 7 Great Quotes From Converge in Carlsbad

At Converge 2025, Editor-in-Chief Michelle Graff attended sessions on DEI, tariffs, security, and more. Here are her top takeaways.

Crime police cars
CrimeSep 16, 2025
2 Robbery Suspects Killed in California Pawn Shop Shootout

Six people were shot last week at an Oakland cash-for-gold shop as employees exchanged gunfire with individuals trying to rob the store.

Chopard Ice Cube Modular Necklace
CollectionsSep 16, 2025
Chopard Adds New Designs to Its ‘Ice Cube’ Capsule Collection

The jeweler has expanded its high jewelry offering, which launched last year, with new pieces featuring its cube motif that debuted in 1999.

Natural Diamond Council Retailer Accreditation Program seal
SourcingSep 16, 2025
Natural Diamond Council Launches Retailer Accreditation Program

Ben Bridge Jeweler and Lux Bond & Green were a part of the pilot program. 

×

This site uses cookies to give you the best online experience. By continuing to use & browse this site, we assume you agree to our Privacy Policy