Majors

These Are the Fastest-Growing Retailers in the US

MajorsAug 17, 2018

These Are the Fastest-Growing Retailers in the US

They top the “Hot 100 Retailers” list, compiled annually by Stores magazine and Kantar Consulting.

2018_Amazon-Books.jpg
Amazon.com ranked No. 4 on the Stores magazine “Hot 100 Retailers” list, with 45 percent growth year-over-year due in part to the addition of physical stores, including the Whole Foods grocery store chain and more Amazon grocery and book stores (pictured here).

Washington—A Dublin, Ireland-based fast fashion company was the fastest-growing retailer in the United States last year, according to the annual list published by Stores magazine.

The “Hot 100 Retailers” ranks both public and privately held companies by percentage of U.S. sales growth between 2016 and 2017. Companies’ sales must total at least $300 million a year to be considered for inclusion.

It is compiled for Stores magazine, the publication of the National Retail Federation, by Kantar Consulting.

Coming in at No. 1 this year was U.K. clothing and accessories retailer Primark, which sells trendy, cheap clothing and accessories (think Forever 21, H&M, Zara, etc.) and opened its first U.S. stores in 2015. According to Kantar/Stores, the retailer’s annual sales grew 103 percent year-over-year to $489 million in 2017.

At No. 2 was Bass Pro Shops (94 percent sales growth to $7.3 billion), followed by home improvement and appliance retailer Build.com (47 percent sales growth to $1.3 billion), list mainstay Amazon.com (45 percent growth to $103 billion) and, at No. 5, online home goods retailer Wayfair (36 percent sales growth to $4.1 billion).

Commenting on the list, Stores Media Editor Susan Reda said strong consumer confidence and high job growth—two of the factors that led the NRF to raise its retail growth forecast for the year—have consumers spending more on home buying, home improvement and travel. This is, in part, why Build.com and Wayfair were in the top five.

The Hot 100 also represents a compendium of the retailers with the best strategies for growth in the omnichannel climate, said Bryan Gildenberg, Kantar’s chief knowledge officer.

“This year, the classic ‘four Ps’ of marketing have become the ‘four Ss’—the Hot 100 use speed, seamlessness, specialization and scale by acquisition as their core platforms of growth,” he said.

Rounding out the top 10 were the following.

6. Handbag retailer Tapestry (owns the Kate Spade, Stuart Weitzman and Coach brands, formerly Coach Inc.), 33 percent sales growth
7. PetSmart, 28 percent sales growth, buoyed by the acquisition of Chewy.com
8. Discount retailer Five Below, 28 percent sales growth
9. Ulta Salon, 28 percent sales growth
10. Pet Retail Brands, 27 percent sales growth

(While some retailers above show the exact same percentage of growth, percentages have been rounded. The rankings are based on exact percentages.)

The list also recognizes what it calls “sustained sizzlers,” retailers that have been on the list each year since it

was first published in 2006. This year, there were five: Amazon.com, Tractor Supply Co., Ross Stores, Dick’s Sporting Goods and O’Reilly Auto Parts.

The entire “Hot 100 Retailers” list was published in the August issue of Stores magazine and is available on the Stores website.

The magazine story analyzing the list is also available on Stores.org.
Michelle Graffis the editor-in-chief at National Jeweler, directing the publication’s coverage both online and in print.

The Latest

Stack of gold bangles on denim
FinancialsMar 10, 2026
Signet Jewelers’ Q4 Sales Fall Flat

The jewelry giant released preliminary results for the fourth quarter and full year on Monday, with final results slated to come next week.

Julianne Moore
TrendsMar 10, 2026
Messika Names Julianne Moore as Ambassador

The award-winning actress is the “epitome of modern allure,” the brand said.

Sorellina Large Bloom Inlay Pendant
CollectionsMar 10, 2026
Gemstones ‘Bloom’ in Sorellina’s New Collection

The “Bloom” collection draws from the flower power movement of the 1960s and ‘70s with inlay pendants offered in eight colorways.

TopImageCrop.jpg
Brought to you by
Is This You? Every Jeweler Has This Problem; We Have the Solution.

Every jeweler faces the same challenge: helping customers protect what they love. Here’s the solution designed for today’s jewelry business.

Constellations Over the Sedona
Events & AwardsMar 10, 2026
Diamond-Studded Painting Shines at RJO Foundation Auction

The unique piece was one of the custom works offered at the foundation's recent silent art auction, which garnered nearly $15,000 in total.

Weekly QuizMar 05, 2026
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
Jake Gyllenhaal as Bulgari Brand Ambassador
TrendsMar 09, 2026
Jake Gyllenhaal Is Bulgari’s Latest Ambassador

Bulgari named Gyllenhaal as its brand ambassador for his embodiment of artistic depth, intellectual curiosity, and warmth.

TJS scholarship winners 2026
Events & AwardsMar 09, 2026
TJS Announces 2026 Scholarship Winners

Awards were given to four students, one apprentice, and an emerging jeweler.

dca-laptop.jpg
Brought to you by
DCA Enters a New Chapter in Jewelry Education

With refreshed branding, a new website, updated courses, and a pathway for growth, DCA is dedicated to supporting retail staff development.

Model wearing diamond necklace and ring
AuctionsMar 09, 2026
Joanna Carson’s Jewels Lead White-Glove Sale

The top jewelry lot of the late model’s estate sale, hosted by John Moran Auctioneers, was an Oscar Heyman & Brothers for Cartier necklace.

Tom Moses
GradingMar 06, 2026
Tom Moses Leaving GIA After Nearly 50 Years

Moses, who started at GIA’s Santa Monica lab in 1976, will leave the Gemological Institute of America in May.

Charles & Colvard showroom in Morrisville, North Carolina
Lab-GrownMar 06, 2026
Charles & Colvard Files for Bankruptcy, Citing Price Pressures

Increased competition, falling lab-grown diamond and moissanite prices, and the rising cost of gold took a toll on the moissanite maker.

Zome Solara Earrings
CollectionsMar 06, 2026
Zome’s ‘Solara’ Earrings Embody Celestial Beauty

The earrings, our Piece of the Week, feature pink tourmalines as planets orbiting around an aquamarine center set in 18-karat rose gold.

Stock image of shipping containers
Policies & IssuesMar 05, 2026
Tariffs to Increase to 15% This Week, Treasury Secretary Says

Also, a federal judge has ordered that companies that paid tariffs implemented under the IEEPA are entitled to refunds.

Common Era Difficult Women Pandora Pendant, Anne Boleyn Signet Ring, Cleopatra Pendant
CollectionsMar 05, 2026
Common Era Honors ‘Difficult Women’ in Collection

The ever-growing collection, which just expanded with the addition of Olga of Kyiv, features cameos of 12 women from history.

Diamond engagement rings by designer Lorraine West
TrendsMar 05, 2026
Engagement Ring Trends 2026: What’s In, and Why

We asked a jewelry historian, designer, bridal director, and wedding expert what’s trending in engagement rings. Here’s what they said.

American Gem Society Conclave 2026 Orlando logo
Events & AwardsMar 05, 2026
AGS Announces Conclave 2026 Speaker Lineup

The annual event will be held in Orlando, Florida, from Sept. 14-17.

Caitríona Balfe on Only Natural Diamonds Spring 2026 Issue Cover
TrendsMar 05, 2026
Caitríona Balfe Fronts Only Natural Diamonds Cover

The “Outlander” star modeled for the digital cover of the magazine’s spring issue, which features a story on her relationship with jewelry.

CIBJO Milan
MajorsMar 05, 2026
Registration Opens for CIBJO Centenary Congress

This year’s annual congress, which will mark the confederation’s 100th anniversary, will take place this fall in Italy.

Michael M Beverly Hills Flagship Interior Rendering
MajorsMar 04, 2026
Michael M Opens First Store

Beverly Hills was chosen as the location for the brand’s first store, designed as a “private residence for modern monarchs.”

Dubai mall
Policies & IssuesMar 04, 2026
Luxury Brands Temporarily Shutter Middle East Stores

Kering, Apple, and other retailers have reportedly temporarily closed stores in the Middle East region in light of the recent conflicts.

Brilliant Earth Beverly Hills showroom
EditorsMar 04, 2026
Q&A: Brilliant Earth’s CEO on the New Beverly Hills Store

Beth Gerstein discusses the vibe of the new store, what customers want when fine jewelry shopping today, and the details of “Date Night.”

JIS Miami Spring 2026
Events & AwardsMar 04, 2026
JIS Miami Spring Show to Feature New Gifts Pavilion, Pop-Up Trends Talks

Nearly half of buyers are prioritizing silver and fashion collections this season, organizers said.

Spinelli Kilcollin Live Now. Polish Later. Campaign
TrendsMar 04, 2026
Spinelli Kilcollin Rides Free In Year of the Horse Campaign

The “Live Now. Polish Later.” campaign features equestrians wearing the brand’s jewels while galloping across the icy plains of Kazakhstan.

Jennifer Ashworth
MajorsMar 04, 2026
LeachGarner Names New Brand Director

The precious metals provider has promoted Jennifer Ashworth to the role.

Johnny Nelson Wins David Yurman Gem Award Grant Graphic
Events & AwardsMar 03, 2026
Johnny Nelson Wins David Yurman Gem Awards Grant

Nelson will be honored as the inaugural grant winner at the Gem Awards gala on March 13.

New Forevermark store in India
SourcingMar 03, 2026
7 Trends That Could Define the Diamond Industry’s Future

Experts from India weigh in the politics, policies, and market dynamics for diamantaires to monitor in 2026 and beyond.

Gannon & Scott and Metalor Technologies employees
MajorsMar 03, 2026
Swiss Refiner Completes Acquisition of Gannon & Scott

The American precious metals refiner’s day-to-day operations remain the same post-acquisition.

×

This site uses cookies to give you the best online experience. By continuing to use & browse this site, we assume you agree to our Privacy Policy