Top 10 Department Stores in the USA
Retail sales in the United States of America totaled $7.3 trillion in 2023, a 2.3% increase from the previous year’s numbers. If you’re a small business whose target audience is in the USA, knowing where they shop helps you better understand their purchase habits and allows you to craft a more effective sales and marketing strategy.
In terms of total revenue, Walmart and Amazon are currently the largest retailers in the USA. But what about department stores? Here’s a look at the top 10 department stores in the USA in terms of popularity.
Top 10 department stores in the USA (Q1 2024)
|
Best department stores ranked by popularity |
Percentage of consumers who have a positive opinion of the department store |
|
1. Costco |
67% |
|
2. Walmart |
67% |
|
3. Target |
67% |
|
4. Kohl's |
65% |
|
5. JCPenney |
64% |
|
6. T.J. Maxx |
64% |
|
7. Macy's |
63% |
|
8. Sam's Club |
63% |
|
9. Dollar Tree |
62% |
|
10. Marshalls |
62% |
1. Costco, Walmart, Target: 67%
According to a recent survey, as of Q1 2024, Costco, Walmart, and Target lead the chart ranking the top 10 department stores in the USA. The study sorts these stores based on their popularity, determined by the percentage of consumers who view them favorably. Results from the study on the best department stores show that 67% of consumers say they have a positive opinion of Costco, Walmart, and Target.
Among these three best department stores, Walmart recorded the highest percentage of consumers who expressed dislike, with 15% indicating they “disliked” the store, compared to 14% for Target and 6% for Costco.
Incidentally, Costco, Walmart, and Target also rank among the country’s largest retailers, each generating revenues of over $100 billion in 2022.
4. Kohl’s: 65%
Founded in 1962 and currently headquartered in Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin, Kohl’s also ranks among what consumers consider to be the 10 best department stores in the country. In Q1 2024, the popular department store retail chain was the fourth most popular department store, with a rating of 65%.
The company is known for its frequent sales, Kohl's Cash rewards program, and partnerships with popular brands and designers.
5. JCPenney, T.J. Maxx: 64%
JCPenney and T.J. Maxx are tied for fifth place, each with a popularity rating of 64%. Between the two, JCPenney has a slightly higher percentage of consumers indicating they disliked the store—8% compared to T.J. Maxx’s 7%.
7. Macy’s, Sam’s Club: 63%
Registering popularity ratings of 63% each, Macy’s and Sam’s Club (owned by Walmart) rank next on the list of the top 10 department stores in the USA.
It’s worth highlighting that these two stores have different operating models. Macy's is a traditional department store catering to individual consumers with a focus on fashion and home goods, while Sam's Club operates as a membership-based warehouse club offering bulk quantities and discounted prices.
9. Dollar Tree, Marshalls: 62%
Rounding out the 10 best department stores ranked by their popularity among consumers are Dollar Tree and Marshalls—62% of surveyed people have a positive opinion of these two stores.
Top 10 department stores in the USA: by generation
The rankings of these top department stores in the USA differ from generation to generation. For instance, Target, Kohl’s, and Costco are the three most popular stores among millennials.
Generation X’s top three are JCPenney, Target, and Costco. Meanwhile, baby boomers’ consider JCPenney, Walmart, and Costco to be the top department stores in the USA.