MajorsJan 09, 2026
Kendra Scott Taps Activewear Exec as CEO Chris Blakeslee has experience at Athleta and Alo Yoga. Kendra Scott will remain on board as executive chair and chief visionary officer.
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
AuctionsJan 09, 2026
Christie’s Names New Global Managing Director for LuxuryKimberly Miller has been promoted to the role.
CollectionsJan 09, 2026
Piece of the Week: Lionheart’s ‘Serenity’ Opal CharmThe “Serenity” charm set with 13 opals is a modern amulet offering protection, guidance, and intention, the brand said.
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.
CollectionsJan 08, 2026
Pandora’s New ‘Bridgerton’ Jewels Celebrate Bees, Bows, and Blooms“Bridgerton” actresses Hannah Dodd and Claudia Jessie star in the brand’s “Rules to Love By” campaign.
Weekly QuizJan 08, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Events & AwardsJan 08, 2026
Ana Khouri To Receive 2026 Gem Award for High Jewelry ExcellenceFounded by jeweler and sculptor Ana Khouri, the brand is “expanding the boundaries of what high jewelry can be.”
TrendsJan 08, 2026
Stuller’s Color of the Year Is a Stark Contrast to Pantone’s WhiteThe jewelry manufacturer and supplier is going with a fiery shade it says symbolizes power and transformation.
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.
CollectionsJan 08, 2026
Gracie Abrams To Front New Chanel Jewelry CampaignThe singer-songwriter will make her debut as the French luxury brand’s new ambassador in a campaign for its “Coco Crush” jewelry line.
MajorsJan 08, 2026
Diamond Council of America Names New Board DirectorsThe nonprofit’s new president and CEO, Annie Doresca, also began her role this month.
ColumnistsJan 07, 2026
Peter Smith: Physical Retail—The Beginning or the End?As the shopping mall model evolves and online retail grows, Smith shares his predictions for the future of physical stores.
Events & AwardsJan 07, 2026
Melee Adds 13 New Designers to NYC ShowThe trade show is slated for Jan. 31-Feb. 2 at The Lighthouse in New York City's Chelsea neighborhood.
TrendsJan 07, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: Go for GarnetJanuary’s birthstone comes in a rainbow of colors, from the traditional red to orange, purple, and green.
SourcingJan 07, 2026
Diamonds Do Good Releases 2025 Impact ReportThe annual report highlights how it supported communities in areas where natural diamonds are mined, crafted, and sold.
CrimeJan 06, 2026
2 Jewelers Arrested After TraxNYC Diamond District BrawlFootage of a fight breaking out in the NYC Diamond District was viewed millions of times on Instagram and Facebook.
MajorsJan 06, 2026
Rio Grande Says These Are the Top Personalization Tools for 2026The supplier has a curated list of must-have tools for jewelers doing in-house custom work this year.
MajorsJan 06, 2026
Zales Tests Out A New LookThe Signet Jewelers-owned store, which turned 100 last year, calls its new concept stores “The Edit.”
MajorsJan 06, 2026
LeachGarner Appoints New Director of SalesLinda Coutu is rejoining the precious metals provider as its director of sales.
SourcingJan 06, 2026
AGA Announces 2026 BoardThe governing board welcomed two new members, Claire Scragg and Susan Eisen.
TrendsJan 05, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: New Year’s EditionSparkle with festive diamond jewelry as we celebrate the beginning of 2026.
IndependentsJan 05, 2026
Jeweler Ben Nighthorse Campbell Dies at 92The master jeweler, Olympian, former senator, and Korean War veteran founded the brand Nighthorse Jewelry.
TrendsJan 05, 2026
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.
MajorsJan 02, 2026
Marc Metrick Out as CEO of Saks Global Executive Chairman Richard Baker will take over the role as rumors swirl that a bankruptcy filing is imminent for the troubled retailer.
Events & AwardsJan 02, 2026
Jan Mohr, Couture’s ‘North Star,’ Dies at 71Mohr had just retired in June after more than two decades as Couture’s retailer liaison.
SourcingJan 02, 2026
IDCA Elects New President, Board of DirectorsShekhar Shah of Real Gems Inc. will serve as president of the Indian Diamond & Colorstone Association in 2026.
CollectionsJan 02, 2026
Lalaounis’ 2026 Good Luck Charm Speaks to ResilienceThis year’s good luck charm features the mythical horse Pegasus, and is our first Piece of the Week of the new year.
EditorsDec 31, 2025
The Top 5 Stories of 2025Articles about crime, engagement rings, and a necklace worn in the World Series generated the most interest among readers.
