CollectionsMay 29, 2026
Cultus Artem’s Necklace Is the Oasis in Las Vegas’ DesertThe “River of Heaven” necklace, our Piece of the Week debuting at Couture, combines 26 salt and pepper diamonds spaced by Tahitian pearls.
SurveysAug 17, 2017
Differentiation is Key for Fastest Growing US Retailers
Companies providing unique products and experiences, like meal kit company Blue Apron, dominate Stores magazine’s “Hot 100 Retailers” list.
Washington--These days, it doesn’t matter if a retailer is “clicks” or bricks.”
What matters, according to Stores magazine’s Hot 100 list of fastest-growing retailers, is providing unique offerings and experiences for consumers.
The list, compiled by research firm Kantar Retail, is based on sales growth between 2015 and 2016 and ranks both public and privately held retail companies by U.S. domestic sales, with a $300 million minimum.
So what do many of these fast-growing retailers have in common? They set themselves apart in a way that speaks to today’s consumers.
“The retail industry is getting better at addressing shifts in shopping behaviors and thinking differently,” Stores Media Editor Susan Reda said. “What matters most to consumers is a retailer differentiating itself in the marketplace, being innovative with merchandise and offering the right value to the right person, not whether a retailer is ‘bricks or clicks.’
“The mix of both traditional and digital retailers on this year’s list reflects that. The secret to sustained growth going forward is a symbiotic relationship between digital and physical retailing.”
Topping the list this year is subscription meal kit company Blue Apron, which Stores said has delivered more than 150 million meals since it started just five years ago. The company also saw annual sales grow 133 percent to $795.4 million last year.
At No. 2 is online furniture and home décor retailer Wayfair, where sales were up 54 percent to $2.9 billion as it expanded the products it offered to have better ranges in price and quality.
At No. 3 is Ascena Retail Group, the parent company of Ann Taylor, Catherines, Dress Barn, Lane Bryant and Maurices.
Ascena had 50 percent sales growth at $7 billion last year, Stores said, and has been focusing on mergers and acquisitions in recent years, a strategy that might not be working all that well for it. Ascena reported a net loss in the last fiscal year and also recently announced plans to close about 660 stores after a $1.03 billion loss in the third quarter.
Following at No. 4 is online pet food seller Chewy.com, with 48 percent growth to $900 million, followed by online building supply company Build.com/Wolseley, which grew 38 percent to $911 million.
Rounding out the top 10 are: convenience store operator CST Brands, up 29 percent at $2.1 billion; subscription fashion retailer JustFab, up 29 percent at $572 million; supermarket and department store chain Grupo
Comercial Chedraui, up 27 percent at $1.5 billion; supermarket chain Gelson’s Markets, up 26 percent at $723 million; and Amazon.com, up 25 percent to $77 billion (and also named to Stores’ list of top U.S. retailers this year).
While online companies comprise six of the top 10, Stores noted that the majority of retailers on the “Hot 100” list are either traditional retailers or retailers that sell both in store and online.
Fewer than 10 companies on the complete list do business solely via e-commerce.
Stores also called out 14 retailers for being what it referred to as “sustained sizzlers,” having made the Hot 100 list since it began in 2006.
They, along with their sales growth since 2011, are as follows.
--Amazon.com, 192 percent;
--Aldi, 42 percent;
--Dollar General, 48 percent;
--Ross Stores, 49 percent;
--O’Reilly Automotive, 48 percent;
--Dick’s Sporting Goods, 52 percent;
--Tractor Supply Co., 60 percent;
--Academy Sports + Outdoor, 156 percent;
--Ulta Salon, Cosmetics & Fragrance, 160 percent;
--Sprouts Farmers Market, 251 percent;
--Casey’s General Stores, 67 percent;
--Grocery Outlet, 197 percent;
--Sephora, 44 percent; and
--Lululemon Athletica, 208 percent.
The full list of Hot 100 Retailers can be found on Stores.org.
While online companies comprise six of the top 10, Stores noted that the majority of retailers on the “Hot 100” list are either traditional retailers or retailers that sell both in store and online.
Fewer than 10 companies on the complete list do business solely via e-commerce.
Stores also called out 14 retailers for being what it referred to as “sustained sizzlers,” having made the Hot 100 list since it began in 2006.
They, along with their sales growth since 2011, are as follows.
--Amazon.com, 192 percent;
--Aldi, 42 percent;
--Dollar General, 48 percent;
--Ross Stores, 49 percent;
--O’Reilly Automotive, 48 percent;
--Dick’s Sporting Goods, 52 percent;
--Tractor Supply Co., 60 percent;
--Academy Sports + Outdoor, 156 percent;
--Ulta Salon, Cosmetics & Fragrance, 160 percent;
--Sprouts Farmers Market, 251 percent;
--Casey’s General Stores, 67 percent;
--Grocery Outlet, 197 percent;
--Sephora, 44 percent; and
--Lululemon Athletica, 208 percent.
The full list of Hot 100 Retailers can be found on Stores.org.
More on Surveys
The Latest
IndependentsMay 29, 2026
Meet the 2026 Retailer Hall of Fame InducteesThis year’s inductees include second-, third-, and fourth-generation jewelers.
Events & AwardsMay 28, 2026
JCK Announces Jesse Itzler as 2026 Keynote SpeakerThe author, speaker, and entrepreneur will give his presentation, “Spiritual Billionaire,” on Saturday morning.
Brought to you by
All Eyes on Gold Prices. Alternatives to Look For. And What to BEWARE of in VegasAs gold prices rise, today’s retailers are looking for alternatives at prices that will appeal to wider audiences.
Events & AwardsMay 28, 2026
JCK Rocks To Ride With NellyThree-time Grammy award-winning artist Nelly is set to perform at the annual event at Tao Beach on Sunday night.
Weekly QuizMay 28, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
MajorsMay 28, 2026
Signet Jewelers to Buy The Clear Cut Signet will integrate the online-only, natural diamond-focused jeweler into Blue Nile, which it wants to position as a higher-end retailer.
CollectionsMay 28, 2026
Meet The 17 Newcomers to Couture’s Design AtelierThese up-and-coming jewelry brands are bringing their distinct aesthetic and unique point-of-view to the Design Atelier for the first time.
Brought to you by
How Modern Training Is Becoming a Competitive Advantage for Jewelry RetailersWith the trade and customer trust in mind, GIA® developed NextGem™ – on-demand training designed specifically for retail.
GradingMay 28, 2026
GCAL By Sarine Launches 8X Cushion CutThe lab’s proprietary diamond cut grade has been expanded to include the popular fancy shape.
Events & AwardsMay 27, 2026
5 Security Tips for Las Vegas Jewelry Market Week 2026This year, it’s what could happen outside of show hours that worries JSA Executive Vice President Scott Guginsky.
ColumnistsMay 27, 2026
What Jewelers Can Learn From Luxury Fashion’s Digital PlaybookHigh-end fashion houses know how to emotionally connect with customers online. Retail jewelers should take note, Emmanuel Raheb writes.
Events & AwardsMay 27, 2026
Couture’s ‘The Iridescence’ Will Showcase 7 Emerging Jewelry DesignersThe designers are the third cohort of mentees from the show’s Belonging @ Couture mentorship program.
ColumnistsMay 26, 2026
The Key Mindset for Better Trade Show BuyingBuying discipline at trade shows starts with clarity about your inventory levels, Smith writes.
Events & AwardsMay 26, 2026
12 JCK Talks Sessions to Add to Your Las Vegas ScheduleThe trade show’s education series returns, with sessions on retail trends, AI, watches, marketing, corporate responsibility, and more.
Events & AwardsMay 26, 2026
CBG Brings Its Curated Designer Project to Las Vegas ShowThe Curated Designer Project has expanded to highlight eight independent jewelry designers during CBG’s Las Vegas show.
TrendsMay 26, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: A Cooldown Is ComingBring a cool tone to your summer jewelry with these white metal pieces.
Events & AwardsMay 22, 2026
Instore Buys JA New York ShowThe deal closed this week, which means Instore will produce the JA NY show slated to take place this fall.
FinancialsMay 22, 2026
Richemont’s Jewelry Brands Lead the Charge in Q4The company’s jewelry sales were up in Q4 and the fiscal year, with Richemont raising prices in part because of the cost of gold.
CollectionsMay 22, 2026
Leigh Maxwell Celebrates 5 Years at Couture With ‘Bauble’ CollectionThe “Bauble” capsule collection of colorful one-of-a-kinds includes our Piece of the Week, the “Bauble” earrings, featuring rose zircon.
MajorsMay 22, 2026
Stuller’s New Packaging, Display Catalog Is Out The updated catalog has a newly dedicated section for gift wrapping.
PodcastsMay 21, 2026
Episode 5: Sotheby’s Frank Everett Puts the Auction Market in PerspectiveEverett covers colored stones’ surging popularity, the mellow return of the “Mellon Blue,” and his “The Devil Wears Prada” doppelgänger.
IndependentsMay 21, 2026
Springer’s Jewelers’ New Flagship Will Serve Next-Gen Luxury ShoppersFourth-generation CEO Lilly Mullen wants to emphasize experience, connection, and personalized service.
Events & AwardsMay 21, 2026
JA Announces Nina Pugliese Memorial ScholarshipThe new award, created in partnership with Henne Jewelers, honors the late designer’s legacy through supporting jewelry education.
SourcingMay 21, 2026
Botswana, Angola Join WFDBThe addition of the diamond-producing countries as nation affiliated members broadens the federation’s global representation, WFDB said.
CrimeMay 20, 2026
NYPD Warns of Jewelry Swap Scams Targeting SeniorsThe NYPD is warning elderly New Yorkers to keep their jewelry hidden when walking outside to avoid being a target.
IndependentsMay 20, 2026
Adornment & Theory’s New Store Feels Like Home Designer Viviana Langhoff has realized her dream of owning a space for her Chicago jewelry store that looks and feels like her brand.
Events & AwardsMay 20, 2026
Here Is Couture’s 2026 Education Lineup The sessions will run from Friday, May 29, to Sunday, May 31, with one being a live taping of an episode of Couture’s podcast.
