SurveysJul 16, 2025
Signet Jewelers Falls Lower on NRF’s ‘Top 100’ Retailers ListSurveysAug 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.
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 …
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.
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.
More on Surveys
The Latest
TrendsApr 17, 2026
New (Groundbreaking) Floral Jewelry for Spring 2026Flower motifs are the jewelry trend blooming amongst the new collections that debuted this spring.
MajorsApr 17, 2026
QVC Group Files for Chapter 11 BankruptcyThe retailer reported an 8 percent decline in annual sales as it struggles under the weight of billions of dollars of debt.
CollectionsApr 17, 2026
Edina Kiss’ Earrings Are the Devil on Your ShoulderThe “Devil” drop earrings, our Piece of the Week, are part of designer Edina Kiss’ new namesake jewelry line that she will show at Couture.
Brought to you by
Discover Timeless Treasures: A Showcase of Antique Jewelry & Timepieces in Las VegasGain access to the most exclusive and coveted antique pieces from trusted dealers during Las Vegas Jewelry Week.
CrimeApr 17, 2026
FBI Issues Warning to Refineries, Retailers Due to High Price of GoldThe alert states that burglary crews are targeting jewelry businesses and details how jewelers and refineries can protect themselves.
Weekly QuizApr 16, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
WatchesApr 16, 2026
Cartier Brings Back the RoadsterThe “watchmaker of shapes” debuted the reworked version of the vintage sports car-inspired timepiece at Watches & Wonders.
IndependentsApr 16, 2026
Edge Retail Academy Updates Leadership TeamAs demand for jewelry retail coaching grows, the company has established a dedicated business coaching leadership team.
Brought to you by
Las Vegas Antique Jewelry & Watch Show: Showcasing the Most Collectible Merchandise from Across the GlobeGain access to the most exclusive and coveted antique pieces from trusted dealers during Las Vegas Jewelry Week.
MajorsApr 16, 2026
Stuller’s Latest Mountings Catalog Is Out NowThe “Mountings 2026-2027” catalog showcases Stuller’s largest and most diverse assortment to date with more than 400 new mounting styles.
PodcastsApr 15, 2026
Episode 4: The Natural Diamond DilemmaSally Morrison and Mark Klein discuss De Beers’ first beacon in 16 years and the mistake the industry made with lab-grown diamonds.
MajorsApr 15, 2026
Spark Creations’ Randy McKenzie Dies at 72 McKenzie spent 45 years with Spark Creations and is remembered for being kind, dedicated, and hardworking.
WatchesApr 15, 2026
These Are the New Rolex Watches for 2026Rolex focused exclusively on the Oyster Perpetual this year, as the model is celebrating its 100th anniversary.
FinancialsApr 15, 2026
Kering’s Jewelry Shines in Q1, Gucci’s Struggle ContinuesThe luxury giant discussed the Middle East conflict and its transformation plans, hinting at a stronger jewelry presence in North America.
SourcingApr 15, 2026
Diamond Club West Coast Names 2026 BoardKalpesh Jhaveri was re-elected as president for a third year.
TechnologyApr 15, 2026
This Jewelry Brand’s Video Series Is Up for a Webby Award“Diamond Divas,” a social media reality series by Shahla Karimi Jewelry, is nominated in the “Best Social: Fashion & Beauty” category.
SourcingApr 14, 2026
De Beers Expands ‘Desert Diamonds’ Beacon Into BridalThe campaign seeks to reignite desire for natural diamond engagement rings by highlighting the “distinct character” of warm-toned diamonds.
FinancialsApr 14, 2026
LVMH’s Q1 Sales Sink 6% Amid Middle East ConflictPlus, how Saks Global’s bankruptcy affected the luxury giant’s first quarter.
SourcingApr 14, 2026
International Jade Summit to Return to MontereyPresented by Mason-Kay Jade, the summit, in its second year, will again be held during the Monterey Bay Jade Festival.
Events & AwardsApr 14, 2026
CBG Releases Details for Las Vegas ShowThe group has announced its lineup of speakers and a new “Rising Stars” pavilion.
CollectionsApr 13, 2026
Uniform Object’s New Jewelry Collection Centers on the ‘Carbon Form’The “Carbon Form” collection explores the contrast between high and low materials, using rubber cord alongside 18-karat gold and gemstones.
Events & AwardsApr 13, 2026
JA Accepting 2026 Impact Initiative ApplicationsThe program provides essential funding to organizations for projects that enhance the jewelry industry.
Events & AwardsApr 13, 2026
Couture Announces New Show in MiamiThe jewelry trade show is launching its first open-to-the-public event in Coconut Grove this November.
CrimeApr 13, 2026
JSA Offers Reward in Oregon Jewelry Store Armed RobberyJSA is seeking information about the gunpoint robbery of a Kay Jewelers location in Oregon’s Washington Square Mall.
WatchesApr 10, 2026
These Watches Have Increased in Value the Most Since 2018, Says Chrono24The top-performing watch models may be surprising, with Rolex and several popular pandemic-era picks notably absent from the top 20.
CollectionsApr 10, 2026
Ophelia Eve’s Toggle Pendant Holds Your SecretsThe “Scroll” toggle pendant, our Piece of the Week, opens to reveal a hidden message, mantra, or love letter written on washi paper.
ColumnistsApr 09, 2026
Jewelry Demand Isn’t Stronger, Prices Are Just Higher Jewelers who misinterpret the state of the jewelry market risk employing the wrong retail strategy, cautions columnist Sherry Smith.
MajorsApr 09, 2026
Tiffany & Co. Promotes Nathalie Verdeille to SVP, Chief Artistic OfficerIn her newly expanded role, she will continue to oversee the jewelry category, as well as watches, home, and accessories.
