Largest Retailers in the US
Total US retail sales reached $7.2 trillion in 2023, indicating a steady rise in consumer spending driven by a variety of factors. These include the growing dependence on ecommerce, the expansion of omnichannel shopping experiences, and not to mention the influence and reach of some of the largest retailers in the US.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the biggest retailers in the US, ranked by their total retail sales in 2023.
Top US retailers: ranked by retail sales
US retailer |
Retail sales (2023) |
1. Walmart |
$533.96 billion |
2. Amazon.com |
$250.11 billion |
3. Costco Wholesale |
$175.39 billion |
4. The Kroger Co. |
$149.61 billion |
5. The Home Depot |
$141.45 billion |
6. CVS Health Corporation |
$113.92 billion |
7. Target |
$105.84 billion |
8. Walgreens Boots Alliance |
$105.10 billion |
9. Lowe's Companies |
$84.04 billion |
10. Albertsons Companies |
$77.86 billion |
What are the largest retailers in the US?
1. Walmart ($533.96 billion)
- Headquartered in: Bentonville, AR
- Annual sales growth: +6.9%
- No. of stores in the US: 5,321
The latest data from the National Retail Federation shows that Walmart continues to lead as the top US retailer. The $533.96 billion in retail sales it recorded in 2023 represents an annual increase of 6.9% and comes despite having sold off Moosejaw, Eloquii, and Bonobos.
Known for its extensive network of stores and competitive pricing, Walmart continues to dominate both brick-and-mortar and online retail. The top US retailer is expected to see even stronger growth in 2024. Already, recent fiscal data shows Walmart generated $169.3 billion in revenue in the first quarter of 2024, a 4.8% annual increase.
2. Amazon.com ($250.11 billion)
- Headquartered in: Seattle, WA
- Annual sales growth: +7.6%
- No. of stores in the US: 568
Second on the list of the largest retailers in the US is Amazon, with total sales reaching $250.11 billion in 2023. Amazon's dominance in the online shopping space is driven by its vast product selection, fast delivery, and a strong emphasis on customer satisfaction. Despite being primarily an online retailer, Amazon’s impact on the overall retail market is clear, as it ranks among the top US retailers.
3. Costco Wholesale ($175.39 billion)
- Headquartered in: Issaquah, WA
- Annual sales growth: +6.8%
- No. of stores in the US: 587
After Amazon, the third-biggest retailer in the US is Costco Wholesale. The company’s US sales surged 6.8% year-over-year to $175.39 billion in 2023. Costco Wholesale is known for its membership-based warehouse model, which offers bulk goods at low prices. Costco’s unique value proposition lies in its ability to offer quality products at discounted prices, which has attracted a loyal customer base.
4. The Kroger Co. ($149.61 billion)
- Headquartered in: Cincinnati, OH
- Annual sales growth: +1.3%
- No. of stores in the US: 2,855
The Kroger Co. is one of the biggest supermarket chains in the US, with $149.61 billion in retail sales in 2023, ranking fourth on the list of the largest retailers in the US.
The Ohio-based company operates numerous brands under its umbrella, including Baker’s, City Market, and Dillons. Together, they provide groceries, pharmacy services, and other products to millions of customers nationwide.
5. The Home Depot ($141.45 billion)
- Headquartered in: Atlanta, GA
- Annual sales growth: -3.1%
- No. of stores in the US: 2,002
The Home Depot completes the list of the five biggest retailers in the US. Unlike the top four, the Atlanta-based company’s US retail sales fell—by 3.1%, to $141.45 billion in 2023. Despite the dip, the company continues to dominate the DIY and professional contractor market, offering a wide range of products from building materials to home appliances.
6. CVS Health Corporation ($113.92 billion)
- Headquartered in: Woonsocket, RI
- Annual sales growth: +7.3%
- No. of stores in the US: 9,373
CVS Health Corporation, with $113.92 billion in retail sales in 2023, is one of the largest US retailers in the pharmacy and health sector. Operating more than 9,000 stores across the country, CVS offers prescription drugs, health products, and convenience items.
7. Target ($105.84 billion)
- Headquartered in: Minneapolis, MN
- Annual sales growth: -1.6%
- No. of stores in the US: 1,956
Target, known for its trendy yet affordable merchandise, posted $105.84 billion in sales in 2023, following a 1.6% marginal dip. As one of the top US retailers, Target is known for its well-curated product selection, clean stores, and strong online presence.
8. Walgreens Boots Alliance ($105.1 billion)
- Headquartered in: Deerfield, IL
- Annual sales growth: +1.1%
- No. of stores in the US: 8,601
Walgreens Boots Alliance, with $105.1 billion in sales, is another giant in the pharmacy retail sector. Like CVS, the Rhode Island-headquartered company offers a wide range of products, from prescription medications to everyday essentials.
9. Lowe’s Companies ($84.04 billion)
- Headquartered in: Mooresville, NC
- Annual sales growth: -4.3%
- No. of stores in the US: 1,746
Lowe’s Companies is the second-largest home improvement retailer in the US, after The Home Depot. In 2023, the company generated $84.04 billion in sales, marking a 4.3% fall from the previous year. Competing closely with The Home Depot, Lowe’s offers a wide array of home improvement products and services.
10. Albertsons Companies ($77.86 billion)
- Headquartered in: Boise, ID
- Annual sales growth: +2.2%
- No. of stores in the US: 2,268
Albertsons Companies, with $77.86 billion in sales in 2023, is a leading player in the grocery retail market. Operating under multiple banners, including Safeway and Vons, Albertsons serves millions of customers across the country. Its focus on fresh food, private labels, and digital innovation has helped it become one of the largest retailers in the US.