Most of us have our go-to websites, whether it’s ones we go to for entertainment (like casinos with the best slots welcome bonuses or streaming services like Prime Video), to catch up on the news, and, of course, to fulfil our shopping needs.
When it comes to shopping, American retailers have dominated the market not just in the United States but worldwide. Here, we’ll identify the 10 most popular retailers in the country based on their 2023 US sales numbers so we can see how our preferences compare to those of other Americans.
Contents
- 1 1. Walmart ($533.96 Billion)
- 2 2. Amazon.com ($250.11 Billion)
- 3 3. Costco Wholesale Corporation ($175.39 Billion)
- 4 4. The Kroger Co. ($149.61 Billion)
- 5 5. The Home Depot ($141.45 Billion)
- 6 6. CVS Health Corporation ($113.92 Billion)
- 7 7. Target ($105.84 Billion)
- 8 8. Walgreens Boots Alliance ($105.10 Billion)
- 9 9. Lowe’s Companies ($84.04 Billion)
- 10 10. Albertsons Companies ($77.86 Billion)
- 11 Conclusion
1. Walmart ($533.96 Billion)
Topping the list of popular retailers is Walmart, the widely known discount store that seemingly offers customers everything they might want or need. The first Walmart store opened its doors in 1962, and the retail giant’s founder, Sam Walton, had huge ambitions from the get-go.
Walton opened the doors to compete with then-established major players Kmart and Sears, carefully choosing locations and offering prices that would set Walmart apart. The efforts paid off because this popular retailer is bringing in annual revenue of $665 billion. In 2023, US sales for the company rang in at $533.96 billion.
2. Amazon.com ($250.11 Billion)
What started as a business run from Jeff Bezos’s garage in 1994 has become a business leader worldwide for far more than its retail offerings, though there are a significant number of products available. The company encompasses services like video streaming, music streaming, cloud storage, and more. Its retail sales for the US accounted for $250.11 billion in 2023, a significant portion of its overall $574.785 billion revenue for the year.
It no longer runs from a garage; instead, it is headquartered at a 13.6 million-square-foot campus in Seattle, Washington, and it has expansive operation centers and warehouses worldwide.
3. Costco Wholesale Corporation ($175.39 Billion)
The membership-based bulk-goods retailer was founded in 1983, and since then, it has become a US retail giant and expanded its operations to Canada, Mexico, Australia, Europe, and Asia. Its stores, which are more like warehouses, typically encompass 140,000 square feet, with items nearly stacked to the buildings’ rafters.
Costco’s appeal has earned the company more than $234 billion in sales over 2023, $175.39 billion of which were made in the United States.
4. The Kroger Co. ($149.61 Billion)
The Kroger Co. is the oldest retailer on this list, founded in 1883 by Barney Kroger. Kroger envisioned his store would streamline the shopping experience, which at the time involved stopping into multiple shops for all the goods needed. Suffice it to say, he managed to achieve his goal.
Today, Kroger remains a store that offers customers everything they need for their regular grocery shopping trips. It even has restaurants and coffee shops where customers can dine before or after shopping. Though Kroger is only available in the US, it has captivated consumers here, earning $149.61 billion in 2023.
5. The Home Depot ($141.45 Billion)
Branding itself as the “world’s largest home improvement retailer,” The Home Depot has certainly proved itself to be a popular option among US consumers, obtaining $141.45 billion worth of sales last year. When the retailer was first founded, it was made to be the go-to, one-stop-shop for any contractor, do-it-yourselfer, or any other building professional to find what they needed.
Like Costco, the retailer’s locations boast substantial square footage, 105,000 square feet on average, and use vertical space as much as horizontal space. The company has expanded its footprint to Canada and Mexico, bringing in $150.73 billion in sales last year.
6. CVS Health Corporation ($113.92 Billion)
Through covering a wide range of health care needs for Americans, CVS Health Corporation has become a go-to option for many needing a pharmacy or wellness products. The corporation offers more than medication and retail goods, too. It complements its pharmaceutical and retail services with healthcare services and benefits that, combined, earn the company $113.93 billion in annual sales.
7. Target ($105.84 Billion)
Widely known for its red bulls-eye logo, this retail giant has been a consumer favorite for some time. Like Walmart and other department stores, Target offers a huge selection of goods that meet a wide range of wants and needs at discounted prices.
The company was founded in 1902 under the name Goodfellow Dry Goods, and by 1962, the first Target store was opened. Since then, the company has amassed a net worth exceeding $69 billion, remaining successful even after failed expansions into other countries. In 2023, the company made $105.84 billion in sales.
8. Walgreens Boots Alliance ($105.10 Billion)
While narrowly beaten by Target in US sales, Walgreens Boots Alliance earned over $118 billion in 2023, including its worldwide sales earnings. The retailer has become popular for its health services, pharmacy, and drug store product selection.
9. Lowe’s Companies ($84.04 Billion)
Lowe’s Companies today are known for being handy hardware stores, but the company was not as neatly categorized when it started. The original store in North Carolina included construction materials, sewing supplies, groceries, and dry goods, and it was home to a horse track.
Its product selection has refined its focus since then, helping the company become one of the most popular retailers in the US and the second-most popular hardware store after The Home Depot. In 2023, its US sales earnings were $84.04 billion.
10. Albertsons Companies ($77.86 Billion)
Part grocery store, part drug store, Albertsons Companies has become one of the largest food and drug providers in the US. The retailer is a popular consumer option for these daily essentials, with the company earning $77.86 billion in sales in 2023.
Conclusion
These 10 retailers are among the most popular shopping destinations in the country, bringing in billions of dollars in US sales. Many of these retailers have become go-to places for purchasing necessities and more, leaving us with one question: Which of these retailers are your go-to?
