CrimeDec 17, 2025
Man Pleads Not Guilty to Swallowing Fabergé PendantThe special-edition egg pendant ingested in a New Zealand jewelry store was recovered after a six-day wait.
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
EditorsDec 17, 2025
2025 Jewelry Rewind: The Best Piece of the Week PicksAssociate Editor Natalie Francisco plays favorites with Piece of the Week, selecting a standout piece of jewelry from each month of 2025.
CollectionsDec 17, 2025
Lucy Hale Stars in Jacquie Aiche’s Holiday CampaignThe “Love and Desire” campaign is inspired by the magic that follows when one’s heart leads the way, said the brand.
Brought to you by
Impacting Tomorrow TodayHow Jewelers of America’s 20 Under 40 are leading to ensure a brighter future for the jewelry industry.
GradingDec 17, 2025
SSEF Announces 2025 Scholarship WinnersTwo awardees will receive free tuition for an educational course at the Swiss lab, with flights and lodging included.
Weekly QuizDec 11, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
MajorsDec 16, 2025
Pandora’s New CEO Will Step Up EarlyBerta de Pablos-Barbier will replace Alexander Lacik at the start of January, two months earlier than expected.
AuctionsDec 16, 2025
Suzanne Belperron, JAR Shine in Sotheby’s First Auctions at New HQSotheby’s held its first two jewelry sales at the Breuer building last week, and they totaled nearly $44 million.
Brought to you by
Roseco Releases New Full-Line CatalogRoseco’s 704-page catalog showcases new lab-grown diamonds, findings, tools & more—available in print or interactive digital editions.
Events & AwardsDec 16, 2025
TJS Now Accepting Scholarship Applications for 2026Winners will receive free registration and lodging for its fourth annual event in Detroit.
ColumnistsDec 16, 2025
Beyond Unboxing: Creative Reveals to Drive Reach and EngagementHere are six ideas for making more engaging content for Instagram Reels and TikTok, courtesy of Duvall O’Steen and Jen Cullen Williams.
Events & AwardsDec 16, 2025
Diamonds Do Good Names 2026 Award RecipientsThe honorees include a notable jewelry brand, an industry veteran, and an independent retailer.
CrimeDec 15, 2025
Men Receive Life Sentences in Home Invasion Murder of Jeweler Carlos Jose Hernandez and Joshua Zuazo were sentenced to life without the possibility of parole in the 2024 murder of Hussein “Sam” Murray.
Policies & IssuesDec 15, 2025
Sara Yood Named Co-Chair of RJC Standards CommitteeYood will serve alongside Eduard Stefanescu, the sustainability manager for C.Hafner, a precious metals refiner in Germany.
IndependentsDec 15, 2025
M.S. Rau to Open Store in AspenThe New Orleans jeweler is also hosting pop-up jewelry boutiques in New York City and Dallas.
AuctionsDec 12, 2025
13.54-Carat Paraíba Tourmaline Sets Records at Christie’sSet in a Tiffany & Co. necklace, it sold for $4.2 million, the highest price and price per carat paid for a Paraíba tourmaline at auction.
MajorsDec 12, 2025
David Webb Reveals Ice-Cold Holiday Window DisplayThe jeweler’s “Deep Freeze” display showcases its iconic jewelry designs frozen in a vintage icebox.
CollectionsDec 12, 2025
Piece of the Week: Oscar Heyman’s Sphene RingTake luxury gifting to new heights this holiday season with the jeweler’s showstopping 12-carat sphene ring.
Events & AwardsDec 12, 2025
IGI Jewelry Design Contest Now Accepting SubmissionsThis year's theme is “Unveiling the Depths of the Ocean.”
TrendsDec 11, 2025
Pinterest 2026 Trend Report: Brooches, Bold Gold, Cool BlueIn its annual report, Pinterest noted an increase in searches for brooches, heirloom jewelry, and ‘80s luxury.
GradingDec 11, 2025
GIA to Offer Origin Determination for 3 More GemstonesStarting Jan. 1, customers can request the service for opal, peridot, and demantoid garnet.
IndependentsDec 11, 2025
Look Inside Day’s Jewelers’ Ninth StoreThe 111-year-old retailer celebrated the opening of its new location in Salem, New Hampshire, which is its third store in the state.
MajorsDec 11, 2025
Americas Gold Releases New Gold Chain CatalogThe new catalog features its most popular chains as well as new styles.
AuctionsDec 10, 2025
Francis Ford Coppola’s Watch Sells for $10.8MThe filmmaker’s personal F.P. Journe “FFC” prototype was the star of Phillips’ recent record-setting watch auction in New York.
WatchesDec 10, 2025
There’s A New Rolex Boutique in MiamiThe new location in the Design District pays homage to Miami’s Art Deco heritage and its connection to the ocean.
SourcingDec 10, 2025
NAJA Announces Details for 2026 ‘Ace It’ Winter Conference“Longtime favorite” presenters, as well as first-time speakers, will lead talks and workshops at the annual event in Tucson next year.
Events & AwardsDec 10, 2025
MJSA Names 2025 Responsible Design Challenge WinnerSilas Smith of Meridian Metalworks won the challenge with his pendant that blends Australian and American landscapes.
AuctionsDec 09, 2025
‘Desert Rose’ Diamond Sells for $8.8M in Abu DhabiThe sale of the 31.68-carat, sunset-hued stone was part of Sotheby’s first series of events and auctions in Abu Dhabi.
