The National Retail Federation (NRF) has released its annual Top 100 Retailers list, highlighting the best-performing U.S. retailers based on sales. The data reveals that while pandemic-era spending is waning, major players remain stable due to their significant financial resources. Walmart retains the top spot with over $533 billion in U.S. sales, while Aldi sees substantial growth at 17%.
Notable movements include DICK’S Sporting Goods rising in the rankings and Overstock.com achieving a remarkable 135.1% growth thanks to its acquisition of Bed Bath & Beyond’s online assets. Mergers and acquisitions are a key strategy for growth among top retailers, though ongoing legal challenges, like the Kroger-Albertsons merger, have affected their performance.
Grocery retailers continue to show strength, with six holding spots in the Top 20, driven by improved inventory and strong consumer demand, despite inflationary pressures. Notably, the Defense Commissary Agency and the Army and Air Force Exchange Service also climbed the ranks, reflecting stable performance in a unique retail model.
As retailers adapt to post-pandemic dynamics, the focus on convenience and strategic growth is essential. Lessons from leaders like Walmart, Amazon, and Costco include steady investment in core operations and exploration of retail media opportunities.
Top 10 Retailers
- Walmart: $533.96 billion
- Amazon.com: $250.11 billion
- Costco Wholesale: $175.39 billion
- The Kroger Co.: $149.61 billion
- The Home Depot: $141.45 billion
- CVS Health Corporation: $113.92 billion
- Target: $105.84 billion
- Walgreens Boots Alliance: $105.10 billion
- Lowe’s Companies: $84.04 billion
- Albertsons Companies: $77.86 billion
