[Ranking] TOP 25 Department Stores / Retail Companies Q3/2023

Intro

Department stores play a crucial role in the global retail industry, serving as a one-stop destination for a wide range of consumer goods. These establishments offer a diverse selection of products, including clothing, household items, electronics, and more. With their convenient locations and extensive product offerings, department stores have become an integral part of the retail landscape.

The influence of department stores extends far beyond their own industry, as their success or failure has a ripple effect on various sectors. For example, the performance of department stores can impact the sales of clothing brands, electronics manufacturers, and other suppliers. Additionally, these stores often serve as anchor tenants in shopping malls, attracting foot traffic and contributing to the overall success of the retail complex.

The economic significance of department stores cannot be overstated. With billions of dollars in annual revenue, the industry has experienced steady growth in recent years. Despite the rise of e-commerce and the emergence of online retailers, department stores have managed to adapt and thrive in the ever-changing retail landscape.

In recent years, the department store industry has faced several challenges. The shift towards online shopping has prompted many consumers to explore alternative retail channels, leading to declining foot traffic in physical stores. Additionally, the COVID-19 pandemic has further accelerated the adoption of online shopping and posed operational challenges for brick-and-mortar retailers. However, industry leaders continue to innovate and find new ways to attract customers and enhance the in-store shopping experience.

The department store industry is constantly evolving, driven by changing consumer preferences and emerging technologies. As online shopping continues to gain popularity, department stores are incorporating digital strategies to complement their physical presence. This dynamic landscape sets the stage for the exploration of the top companies in the department store sub-industry, which have demonstrated resilience and adaptability in the face of industry-wide transformations.

Ranking

#25 Gordmans

Gordmans

Employees: 4K

Revenue: 1B$

Website: https://www.gordmans.com

Description: Gordmans is a department store chain based in Omaha, Nebraska. Established in 1915, the company operates in the retail industry, specializing in offering a wide range of products including apparel, footwear, accessories, home decor, and more. With its headquarters located in Omaha, Gordmans has a strong presence in the North American market. The company employs approximately 4,000 people and generates an annual revenue of around 1 billion dollars. Gordmans aims to provide customers with a convenient and enjoyable shopping experience, offering quality products at affordable prices.

#24 Stein Mart

Coming Soon

Employees: 6.0K

Revenue: 1.2B$

Website: https://www.steinmart.com

Description: Stein Mart is a department store chain based in Jacksonville, Florida. Founded in 1908, the company operates in the retail industry, specifically in the department store sector. With its headquarters in North America, Stein Mart has grown to employ approximately 6,000 people. The company generates an estimated annual revenue of 1.2 billion US dollars. Stein Mart offers a wide range of products including apparel, accessories, home furnishings, and more. With its focus on providing quality merchandise at discounted prices, Stein Mart has established itself as a popular destination for value-conscious shoppers in the United States.

#23 Fred's

Coming Soon

Employees: 5.4K

Revenue: 1.2B$

Website: https://www.fredsdepartmentstores.com

Description: Fred's is a prominent department store operator in the retail industry, headquartered in New York City, United States. Since its founding in 1958, Fred's has grown to become a leading player in the department store sector. With a workforce of approximately 5,400 employees, Fred's operates numerous department stores across North America, offering a wide range of products including clothing, accessories, home goods, and electronics. The company has a strong online presence through its official website, where customers can conveniently browse and purchase items. With an annual revenue of around 1.2 billion dollars, Fred's continues to thrive in the competitive retail market, providing high-quality products and exceptional customer service to its loyal clientele.

#22 Stage Stores

Coming Soon

Employees: 14K

Revenue: 1.5B$

Website: https://www.stage.com

Description: Stage Stores is a department store company headquartered in Houston, Texas, United States. Founded in 1988, the company operates in the retail industry, specifically in the department stores sector. With approximately 14,000 employees, Stage Stores offers a wide range of products including apparel, accessories, cosmetics, and footwear. The company operates under various brand names such as Bealls, Goody's, Palais Royal, and Stage. Stage Stores focuses on providing affordable and fashionable merchandise to its customers across different regions in the United States. With annual revenue of 1.5 billion US dollars, Stage Stores continues to expand its presence and enhance the shopping experience for its customers.

#21 Ollie's Bargain Outlet

Coming Soon

Employees: 10K

Revenue: 1.5B$

Website: https://www.ollies.us/

Description: Ollie's Bargain Outlet is a renowned retail company in the Department Stores industry. Headquartered in Harrisburg, United States, the company was founded in 1982. With a team of approximately 10,000 employees, Ollie's Bargain Outlet operates numerous department stores across North America. The company has achieved substantial revenue growth, with annual revenue reaching 1.5 billion US dollars. Ollie's Bargain Outlet offers a wide range of discounted merchandise, including closeout, excess inventory, and salvage merchandise, attracting customers with their unique bargains. With a strong presence in the retail industry, Ollie's Bargain Outlet continues to provide value and savings to its customers.

#20 Hudson's Bay Company

Coming Soon

Employees: 11.5K

Revenue: 4.8B$

Website: https://www.thebay.com

Description: The Hudson's Bay Company, headquartered in Toronto, Canada, is a prominent player in the Department Stores industry. With a rich history dating back to 1670, the company has established itself as a leading retail brand in North America. The Hudson's Bay Company operates a network of department stores that offer a wide range of products, including apparel, accessories, cosmetics, home goods, and more. The company's website serves as an online platform for customers to explore and shop for their favorite brands. With approximately 11,500 employees, the company generates impressive annual revenue of 4.8 billion dollars, making it a major force in the retail sector.

#19 Big Lots

Coming Soon

Employees: 20K

Revenue: 5B$

Website: https://www.biglots.com

Description: Big Lots is a department store chain based in Columbus, Ohio. Established in 1967, the company operates in the retail industry, specifically in the department store sector. With its headquarters located in North America, United States, Big Lots has a workforce of approximately 20,000 employees. The company generates an annual revenue of around 5 billion dollars. Big Lots offers a wide range of products including furniture, home decor, electronics, and groceries. They focus on providing customers with quality products at discounted prices, attracting value-conscious shoppers. Big Lots operates numerous stores across the United States, serving as a one-stop shop for various consumer needs.

#18 Dillard's

Dillard's

Employees: 30K

Revenue: 6B$

Website: https://www.dillards.com

Description: Dillard's is a department store chain based in Little Rock, Arkansas. With its headquarters in the United States, Dillard's operates in the retail industry, specifically in the department stores sector. The company was founded in 1938 and currently employs approximately 30,000 people. Dillard's generates an annual revenue of around 6 billion US dollars. Known for its wide range of products including clothing, accessories, cosmetics, and home furnishings, Dillard's aims to provide quality merchandise to its customers. With its strong presence in North America, Dillard's continues to be a prominent player in the retail industry.

#17 Burlington Stores

Burlington Stores

Employees: 40K

Revenue: 6.5B$

Website: https://www.burlington.com/

Description: Burlington Stores, headquartered in Burlington, New Jersey, operates in the Department Stores industry in North America. Founded in 1972, the company has approximately 40,000 employees. With annual revenues of 6.5 billion dollars, Burlington Stores is a major player in the retail industry. The company offers a wide range of products including clothing, accessories, home decor, and baby products. Burlington Stores is known for its commitment to offering quality products at discounted prices, attracting a large customer base across the United States. With its extensive network of stores, Burlington Stores continues to expand its presence in the department store market.

#16 Meijer

Meijer

Employees: 70K

Revenue: 10B$

Website: https://www.meijer.com/

Description: Meijer is a prominent player in the department store industry, headquartered in Grand Rapids, United States. Since its establishment in 1934, the company has grown to become a major retail force in North America. With approximately 70,000 employees, Meijer operates numerous department stores across the region. The company's website serves as a hub for customers to explore their diverse product offerings, ranging from apparel and electronics to groceries and household items. Generating an impressive annual revenue of 10 billion dollars, Meijer continues to solidify its position as a leading retailer in the industry.

#15 Family Dollar Stores

Family Dollar Stores

Employees: 60K

Revenue: 11B$

Website: https://www.familydollar.com/

Description: Family Dollar Stores, headquartered in Matthews, United States, operates in the Department Stores industry. Founded in 1959, the company has approximately 60,000 employees. With an annual revenue of 11 billion dollars, Family Dollar Stores offers a wide range of products including household goods, groceries, apparel, and personal care items. As a prominent player in the retail sector, Family Dollar Stores focuses on providing affordable merchandise to customers across North America. Through its extensive network of stores, the company aims to cater to the diverse needs of its customers and enhance their shopping experience.

#14 JCPenney

Coming Soon

Employees: 85K

Revenue: 11B$

Website: https://www.jcpenney.com

Description: JCPenney, headquartered in Plano, United States, is a leading department store chain in the North American retail industry. Founded in 1902, the company operates a vast network of stores offering a wide range of products including apparel, footwear, accessories, beauty products, home furnishings, and appliances. With approximately 85,000 employees, JCPenney serves millions of customers across the United States. The company has established itself as a trusted destination for affordable and fashionable merchandise, catering to diverse consumer preferences. JCPenney has a robust online presence, enabling customers to conveniently shop from its website. In recent years, the company has focused on enhancing its digital capabilities and omni-channel offerings to adapt to changing consumer behaviors and preferences in the retail industry.

#13 Bed Bath & Beyond

Bed Bath & Beyond

Employees: 55K

Revenue: 12B$

Website: https://www.bedbathandbeyond.com

Description: Bed Bath & Beyond is a leading department store operating in the retail industry. With its headquarters located in Union, United States, the company has been serving customers since its founding in 1971. Bed Bath & Beyond employs approximately 55,000 individuals who contribute to its success. The company generates an impressive revenue of around 12 billion dollars. Bed Bath & Beyond offers a wide range of products including home furnishings, bedding, bath essentials, kitchenware, and home decor. Customers can shop conveniently both in-store and online through the company's website. Known for its quality products and exceptional customer service, Bed Bath & Beyond continues to be a trusted destination for shoppers seeking household items and decor.

#12 Sears Holdings

Sears Holdings

Employees: 50K

Revenue: 12B$

Website: https://www.sears.com/

Description: Sears Holdings, headquartered in Hoffman Estates, United States, is a prominent player in the Department Stores industry in North America. Founded in 1886, the company operates through its website https://www.sears.com/ and has a workforce of approximately 50,000 employees. With a revenue of 12 billion dollars, Sears Holdings has established itself as a major retail player in the market. The company's focus lies in providing a wide range of products including clothing, home appliances, tools, and automotive supplies to its customers through its department stores. Sears Holdings continues to serve as a go-to destination for customers looking for quality products in the retail industry.

#11 Ross Stores

Ross Stores

Employees: 90K

Revenue: 14B$

Website: https://www.rossstores.com/

Description: Ross Stores, headquartered in Dublin, United States, is a leading department store chain operating in the Retail industry. Founded in 1982, the company has grown to employ approximately 90,000 employees. With an annual revenue of 14 billion dollars, Ross Stores has established itself as a major player in the department store market. The company offers a wide range of merchandise, including apparel, footwear, accessories, and home goods, at value-oriented prices. With its focus on providing customers with quality products at affordable prices, Ross Stores continues to experience growth and success in the department store industry.

#10 Nordstrom

Nordstrom

Employees: 75K

Revenue: 15B$

Website: https://shop.nordstrom.com/

Description: Nordstrom, headquartered in Seattle, United States, is a prominent department store chain operating in the Retail industry. Founded in 1901, the company has grown to become a major player in the market. With approximately 75,000 employees, Nordstrom offers a wide range of high-quality fashion apparel, shoes, accessories, and home goods to its customers. The company has established itself as a trusted brand known for its exceptional customer service and curated selection of products. In recent years, Nordstrom has made significant investments in its online presence to adapt to changing consumer preferences and enhance its omnichannel shopping experience. With annual revenue reaching 15 billion dollars, Nordstrom continues to solidify its position as a leading department store chain in North America.

#9 Kohl's

Kohl's

Employees: 85K

Revenue: 18.9B$

Website: https://www.kohls.com/

Description: Kohl's is a leading department store chain based in Menomonee Falls, United States. Since its founding in 1962, the company has grown to become a major player in the retail industry. With a workforce of approximately 85,000 employees, Kohl's operates a vast network of stores across North America. The company offers a wide range of products, including apparel, footwear, accessories, beauty products, home goods, and electronics. Kohl's is known for its affordable pricing, frequent promotional offers, and popular private label brands. In recent years, the company has also expanded its online presence through its e-commerce platform. With an annual revenue of 18.9 billion dollars, Kohl's continues to be a dominant force in the department store industry.

#8 Macy's

Coming Soon

Employees: 125K

Revenue: 24.9B$

Website: https://www.macys.com/

Description: Macy's is a renowned department store chain in North America, with its headquarters located in New York City, United States. Founded in 1858, Macy's operates numerous department stores across the country, offering a wide range of products including apparel, accessories, beauty products, home goods, and more. With a workforce of approximately 125,000 employees, Macy's is a major player in the retail industry. The company has achieved significant success and is recognized for its strong brand, high-quality merchandise, and exceptional customer service. Macy's generates substantial revenue amounting to 24.9 billion US dollars, making it one of the largest department store retailers in the United States.

#7 Dollar Tree

Dollar Tree

Employees: 60K

Revenue: 25B$

Website: https://www.dollartree.com

Description: Dollar Tree is a prominent player in the Department Stores industry, operating primarily in North America. With its headquarters located in Chesapeake, United States, Dollar Tree has been serving customers since its founding in 1986. The company boasts a workforce of approximately 60,000 employees who contribute to its success. Dollar Tree generates substantial revenue, with an estimated annual income of 25 billion dollars. As a discount retail store, Dollar Tree offers a wide range of products at affordable prices, making it a popular choice among budget-conscious consumers. By providing value-driven options to customers, Dollar Tree has established itself as a key player in the retail industry.

#6 Dollar General

Coming Soon

Employees: 143K

Revenue: 27.8B$

Website: https://www.dollargeneral.com/

Description: Dollar General is a prominent player in the Department Stores industry in North America. With its headquarters in Goodlettsville, United States, the company operates numerous retail stores across the country. Founded in 1939, Dollar General has grown to become a leading discount retailer, offering a wide range of merchandise at affordable prices. The company employs approximately 143,000 individuals, contributing significantly to the retail sector's employment. Dollar General has achieved substantial revenue, with annual sales reaching an impressive $27.8 billion. With its focus on providing value to customers, Dollar General continues to thrive in the competitive retail market.

#5 TJX Companies

TJX Companies

Employees: 270K

Revenue: 41.7B$

Website: https://www.tjx.com/

Description: The TJX Companies is a leading player in the Department Stores industry. Headquartered in Framingham, Massachusetts, United States, the company operates a network of off-price retail stores across North America. Founded in 1956, TJX has grown to become a major force in the retail sector with an estimated 270,000 employees. With its flagship brands including T.J.Maxx, Marshalls, and HomeGoods, the company offers a wide range of apparel, home goods, and other merchandise at discounted prices. TJX focuses on providing value to its customers by leveraging its strong relationships with vendors and its efficient supply chain. In 2020, the company reported revenue of approximately 41.7 billion dollars, solidifying its position as a key player in the industry.

#4 Target

Target

Employees: 360K

Revenue: 93.6B$

Website: https://www.target.com

Description: Target is a department store retailer based in Minneapolis, United States. Founded in 1902, Target operates primarily in North America. With approximately 360,000 employees, the company is one of the largest employers in the retail industry. Target offers a wide range of products including clothing, electronics, household essentials, and groceries. The company's revenue reached 93.6 billion dollars in the most recent fiscal year, making it a major player in the department store industry. Known for its trendy and affordable merchandise, Target continues to expand its physical store presence while also investing in e-commerce to cater to the evolving shopping habits of consumers.

#3 Kroger

Coming Soon

Employees: 500K

Revenue: 132B$

Website: https://www.kroger.com/

Description: Kroger is a leading player in the Department Stores industry, with its headquarters located in Cincinnati, United States. The company was founded in 1883 and currently employs around 500,000 people. Kroger operates a vast network of department stores across North America, offering a wide range of products including groceries, household essentials, apparel, electronics, and more. With its strong presence in the retail industry, Kroger has established itself as a trusted brand and continues to serve millions of customers every day. In terms of revenue, Kroger generates approximately 132 billion US dollars, making it one of the top revenue-generating companies in the department store sector.

#2 Costco

Coming Soon

Employees: 300K

Revenue: 166B$

Website: https://www.costco.com/

Description: Costco, headquartered in Issaquah, United States, is a major player in the Department Stores industry. Since its founding in 1983, Costco has grown to become one of the largest retailers in the world. With approximately 300,000 employees, Costco operates a chain of membership-based warehouse clubs that offer a wide range of products at competitive prices. The company's commitment to providing quality products and exceptional value has garnered a loyal customer base. Costco's revenue in 2020 reached a staggering 166 billion US dollars, making it a dominant force in the retail industry. With its strong presence in North America and expansion into international markets, Costco continues to thrive and shape the Department Stores industry.

#1 Walmart

Walmart

Employees: 2.3M

Revenue: 524B$

Website: https://www.walmart.com

Description: Walmart is a retail giant in the Department Stores industry. With its headquarters in Bentonville, United States, Walmart operates primarily in North America. Founded in 1962, the company has grown to become one of the largest employers in the world, with approximately 2.3 million employees. It generates massive revenue, with an estimated annual revenue of 524 billion dollars. Walmart offers a wide range of products in its department stores, catering to various customer needs. The company's website serves as an online marketplace, providing customers with the convenience of shopping from their homes. Walmart's dominance in the retail industry and its commitment to providing affordable products have made it a household name in the United States and beyond.

Summary

The department store sub-industry within the broader retail sector has seen significant growth and success in recent years. The top companies in this sector have achieved impressive rankings and accomplished notable milestones. These companies have established themselves as leaders in the department store space, attracting a large customer base and generating substantial revenue.

One unexpected finding from the analysis is the resilience of department stores in the face of the rise of e-commerce. Despite the growing popularity of online shopping, department stores have managed to maintain their relevance and continue to thrive in the retail industry.

Among the premier companies in the department store sub-industry are Macy's, Nordstrom, and Kohl's. These companies have a long-standing history and a strong presence in the market. They are known for their extensive product offerings, competitive pricing, and exceptional customer service.

One common element driving the success of these leading firms is their ability to adapt to changing consumer preferences and trends. They have invested in digital transformation, incorporating online platforms and integrating technology into their brick-and-mortar stores. This omnichannel approach has allowed them to cater to a wider range of customers and enhance the overall shopping experience.

What sets these eminent companies apart from their industry rivals is their commitment to innovation and differentiation. They continuously strive to offer unique and exclusive products, collaborating with renowned designers and brands. Additionally, they have implemented loyalty programs and personalized marketing strategies to cultivate strong customer loyalty and engagement.