Retailers to watch in 2023

What does the future hold for these Hot 25 companies?
Sandy Smith
NRF Contributor

The National Retail Federation’s annual Hot 25 Retailers list ranks the nation’s fastest-growing retail companies, based on increases in domestic sales between 2021 and 2022. Chedraui is in the No. 1 spot, followed by Raley’s Supermarkets, Primark Stores, Schwarz Group and 7-Eleven. This series takes a closer look at some retailers represented in the list.

Some of the Hot 25 list shows retailers that might have momentarily struck gold. But will they have staying power? That’s what Kantar Senior Vice President David Marcotte is watching.

2023 Hot 25 Retailers List

NRF's Hot 25 Retailers ranks the nation’s fastest-growing retail companies.

View the complete chart.

Schwarz Group, the German retailer that operates Lidl stores in the United States, has Marcotte pondering where they will appear next year. The company was No. 4 on the Hot 25 for 2023, but “they expand, then they back out of growth,” he says.

Inditex, the global family of fashion brands, has made the list for two years running, landing at No. 8 on the Hot 25 and showing 19% growth. That follows last year when it was the second hottest company with 76% growth.

Regarding fashion to watch, Marcotte is “surprised” by Lululemon’s staying power. Another repeat on the list, it hit No. 24 on the Hot 25. “Athletic wear continues to shift and move,” Marcotte says. “It continues to have a cachet that’s working for them.”

Verizon Wireless’ spot on the list two years running has surprised Marcotte. Jumping from No. 25 to No. 11, the retailer has ridden the wave of product difficulties and the phone renewal cycle.  In this tough market, Marcotte wonders if they can stay on the list next year.

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