ColumnistsOct 01, 2025
Peter Smith: Why Vendor Success Starts With Self-ReflectionSmith shares the importance of looking at your company with openness and honesty to identify opportunities you may be missing.
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
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
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
EditorsOct 01, 2025
Playing Favorites: The Best Jewelry From VicenzaoroAssociate Editor Natalie Francisco visited Italy to spot jewelry trends at the September Vicenzaoro show and share her top finds.
FinancialsOct 01, 2025
Gemfields’ H1 Revenue Falls 47%Its latest interim financials revealed a challenging first half due in part to production troubles at its mines.
MajorsSep 30, 2025
Pandora CEO to Retire in 2026, Hand Reins to CMO Alexander Lacik has led Pandora since 2019. Berta de Pablos-Barbier will succeed him, the first woman to head the company.
Weekly QuizSep 25, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
CrimeSep 30, 2025
2 Suspects Charged in $300K Sleight-of-Hand Jewelry Store ScamTwo men allegedly used counterfeit bills to purchase luxury watches and jewelry from a North Carolina jeweler.
CollectionsSep 30, 2025
Billie Eilish, Finneas Partner with John HardyThe “Lovestruck” collection, designed with the Academy and Grammy award-winning siblings, is the brand’s first lab-grown diamond offering.
Brought to you by
reDollar.com Is Rolling Out the Next Level Jewelry, Diamond & Watch Consignment ProgramWith their unmatched services and low fees, reDollar.com is challenging some big names in the online consignment world.
IndependentsSep 30, 2025
Spinelli Kilcollin Announces Residency in DallasThe brand, celebrating its 15th anniversary, has popped up at Market, a luxury fashion destination in Highland Park Village.
IndependentsSep 29, 2025
Nina Pugliese, Longtime Henne Jewelers Employee, Dies at 65She was remembered as a creative and generous woman of faith, who also had a sweet tooth.
TrendsSep 29, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: Ear FocusMove over neck mess, the ear story is the way to make a layering statement today.
IndependentsSep 29, 2025
Mark Henry Jewelry to Debut in CanadaThe New York-based brand is set to launch a limited-time offering for the holiday season at Holt Renfrew in Toronto.
MajorsSep 29, 2025
Overnight Releases New Bridal CatalogThe “Volume 7” bridal catalog features best-selling engagement rings, trending styles, and a new section highlighting anniversary bands.
Events & AwardsSep 26, 2025
Winners of Austin Jewelry Design Contest Announced Jamie Turner Designs is among the winners of the local “Austin Shines” contest, hosted by Eliza Page, a jewelry store in Austin, Texas.
TrendsSep 26, 2025
Piece of the Week: Kwit Jewelry’s Square Signet Pinky RingThe red and azure colorway is one of many fun enamel pairings offered, bringing whimsy to the classic style of a monogramed signet ring.
Policies & IssuesSep 25, 2025
JA CEO Provides Tariff Update Following Annual Fly-InA trade deal with Switzerland seems probable, but reaching an agreement with India remains a challenge, David Bonaparte said.
SourcingSep 25, 2025
2 African Countries Aim to Take Stake in De Beers Botswana’s president said his country wants a controlling share, while Angola envisions multiple countries holding minority stakes.
Lab-GrownSep 25, 2025
Kira Jewels Expands Lab-Grown Diamond ProductionThe manufacturer is adding 1,400 chemical vapor deposition (CVD) reactors to its growing facility in India.
IndependentsSep 25, 2025
Alex Moss’ New Flagship Brings Bold Jewels to SoHoThe jeweler to the stars has worked with Drake, A$AP Rocky, Tyler the Creator, and other celebrities.
WatchesSep 25, 2025
Wilson & Son Jewelers Donates to the Horological Society of New YorkThe Scarsdale, New York-based jeweler donated a professional-grade watch cleaning machine.
Policies & IssuesSep 24, 2025
Tariffs Throw Diamond Trade Into DisarrayThe 50 percent tariffs on diamonds shipped from India to the U.S. have pushed midstream manufacturers to the edge.
SourcingSep 24, 2025
De Beers Adopts New Strategies to Drive Natural Diamond Demand in IndiaDe Beers’ refreshed, multipronged approach, which includes generic promotions and retail partnerships, is delivering positive dividends.
Policies & IssuesSep 24, 2025
For Jewelry Manufacturers, Higher Tariffs Create Long-Term WorriesThey are trying to balance the need to sustain well-established relationships with the pressure higher tariffs have put on margins.
SourcingSep 24, 2025
A Helping Hand: An Effort to Boost Inclusivity in the IndustryJewelry manufacturer Jewelex has partnered with JOSH, an industry training center, on a program for people with disabilities.
CollectionsSep 24, 2025
Greenwich St. Jewelers Goes Back in Time With First Estate CollectionThe collection includes pieces dating back to the Victorian and Art Deco periods as well as mid-century and late 20th-century designs.
Policies & IssuesSep 24, 2025
Diamonds Do Good Names Marcus ter Haar as President-ElectHe previously served as co-chair of the nonprofit’s beneficiary committee.
CollectionsSep 24, 2025
Brilliant Earth’s New Jane Goodall Collection Calls for PeaceIts second collaboration with the conservationist features jewelry with dove and olive branch motifs.
