There are many emerging department store companies in the U.S. 

The most sought-after mode for Americans is to visit a department store.

Department store companies like Macy’s, Nordstrom, JC Penny, and Kohl’s are the favorites in America. 

All department stores offer a wide range of products across different domains.

Some readers associate department stores with only apparel and homeware. But you can shop for a wide range of other products like electronics, cosmetics and others. Even sports goods and DIY products are readily available in department store companies. 

Listing The Top Department Store Companies

Here is a charter of the best 15 department stores from America.

There are various parameters to rank the stores in descending order. I have considered the best revenue returns of late. Then, I thought about the USPs of each store. At the same time, I analyzed people’s reviews about the stores. 

Costco

A recent study on the popularity of Costco was done. The results of the study show that 69% of the American customers shop regularly from Costco. We are aware that millennials have the highest purchasing power in 2024. 

They do 26.8% of all retail expenses in the U.S. 

We found that 73% of millennial customers like Costco for regular purchases. 

The store made its best annual grossing of $160 billion in 2022. 

In conclusion, we can keep Costco at the top of our chart.

Dollar Tree

It is one of the most popular discount department store companies in America. 

Dollar Tree operates with over 1500 stores throughout the US.

Due to their heavy footfall, they attract customers in equal proportion. Costco is on the Fortune 500 list too. 

But why is Costco growing exponentially?

The answer lies in their robust customer values. 

Customer reviews say- you can discover new and exciting items each week at Costco. Most products are utility-based and under $75. 

Dollar Tree is also growing for its multi-pricing strategy. They have products worth as little as $5 or $7. 

No doubt, people love exploring Costco stores in search of unique items.

Von Maur

It is a Davenport-based department store in the U.S. The company runs a range of department stores. Among the growing department store companies, Von Maur has the finest prospects.

There are 37 Von Maur stores across 15 states of the U.S. 

They excel in two areas:

• Becoming a specialist in apparel, accessories, and essentials 
• Attracting customers with extravagant elements like live piano

Von Maur is mostly into brand merchandising sales. So, you will mostly find middle-class shopping there. 

Belk

This store from N.S. is one of the emerging bests of the U.S. 

There are approximately 293 Belk stores across 16 states of the U.S. 

Besides apparel, accessories, and personal use products, Belk also offers furnishings and wedding registry services,

These abstract combinations of services are mainly based on people’s real-time demands. 

The brand has competed with Macy’s, JC Penny, and others similar. 

At the same time, Belk offers attractive reward options for customers. You can use the Belk Rewards+ card to collect reward points while shopping. Then, use the points to earn discounts. 

Walmart

Undoubtedly, Walmart is one of the best big box retailers worldwide. 

The variety of products in Walmart’s stores is unparalleled. However, their specialty is their low prices, accompanied by convenient store shopping.

Walmart is also the biggest employer in the U.S., and It has 2.1 million employees globally. 

However, they rank 5th in this list. 

The reason is that many other emerging stores discussed above have gained traction in the last few years. Their growth, despite the presence of giant department store retailers like Walmart and Target, makes them unique and discrete. 

JC Penny’s

The store started operating in 1902 from Kemmerer. At present, they have 650 stores. 

It is a unique department store company with a flourishing multi-channel retail strategy. 

J.C. Pennys made some strategic changes to become relevant in the market again. They started stocking more fast fashion brands in 2020. For instance, J.C. Pennys introduced Forever 21 in 2021. 

However, JCPenney was on the verge of bankruptcy in 2020. Their multi-channel strategy played an optimum role in the revival of the brand. 

Macy’s

Macy’s started their operations in 1858. Then, Macy’s was a dry goods retailer only. 

The iconic Herald Square store outlet of Macy’s made the brand famous. 

Presently, Macy’s is restructuring. To optimize store operations, Macy’s shut down 125 stores. These stores were witnessing slow traffic. At the same time, the company is investing in 400 more units of Toys R U in their stores. 

This is one of Macy’s cash cows.

The brand hopes to revive sales through this strategy.

Saks Fifth Avenue

Saks is a big-time retailer in the US market. The legacy of their flagship store makes the company famous. In the year 2000, Saks was recognized as a Fortune 500 company.

The high sales value of Saks is intact. In 2023, the company earned $1.9 billion p.a. 

Why is Saks so famous?

They are specialists in female clothing, accessories, shoes and others. We can also shop for beauty and home decoration items from Saks.   

The Florida Mall

It is one of America’s most popular and most prominent shopping centers. 

More than a million customers visit their stores annually. However, Florida Mall is reputed as a premium shopping outlet. 

Most customers flock here to shop from unique brands like:

• American Gallery
• Crayola Experience
• Carlo’s and others 

Reviews say there are over 250 retail and dining options in the mall. Moreover, this experiential shopping outlet also earns from the fixed store visit tickets, 

Bloomingdale’s

It is the first most upscale department store company on the list. However, they have 140 years of legacy in introducing innovative fashion. At the same time, Bloomingdale invests in creating token rewards to attract customers.

Hence, Bloomingdale’s landmark Brown bag was introduced. 

Despite being an upscale store, Bloomingdale’s offers their customers special discounts and reward points. 

Therefore, the company got traction in sales in no time. At present, they have an annual revenue of $750 million. 

Big Lots

Stacker says that 95% of Americans are familiar with the store. It is also one of the U.S.’s most famous department store companies.

The brand started its journey in 1967. However, they have expanded to 1400 stores across 47 states of the U.S. 

Most of the department store companies sell apparel. But what else will you get in Big Lots? 

There is a marvelous food collection alongside an exuberating display of unique furniture. 

Sam’s Club

Sam Walton started this famous department store in 1983. But their current owner is Walmart. Sam’s has 600 stores worldwide. 

Sam’s excels in unique discounts and rewards. They offer reward points through their Club and Plus cards. 

Sam’s provides unique services like financial services, auto services, and doorstep pharmacy services with in-store retail under the same roof.

T.J. Maxx

T.J. Maxx started their journey in 1977. But the brand grew exponentially in a few years. And they have 4500 stores worldwide now. In 2021, T.J. Maxx was ranked 97 among the Fortune 500 companies.

Like many other department store companies, T.J. Maxx introduced ecommerce in 2020. However, this desperate move to remain relevant in the market helped the brand to grow later. 

The brand was first a specialist in handbags only. However, the niche expanded with time.

Now, T.J. Maxx sells shoes, jewelry, home goods, and other staples. 

Bergdorf Goodman

It is one of the most premium department store companies in the U.S. The brand specializes in premium clothing mainly. 

Some commonly available brands in Bergdorf are:

• Prada
• Jimmy Choo
• Lanvin
• Dolce & Gabbana
• Gucci

In 2023, Goodman had a revenue of $240 million.

Stores like Bergdorf are not mass retailers. They cater to a small niche of premium customers in the U.S. only.

Nordstrom

One of the biggest premium department store companies in America, Nordstrom started its journey in 1901. At first, Nordstrom exclusively dealt with branded shoes. 

However, the brand is now reputed for all sorts of premium clothing and accessories. 

People also love them for the wide range of customer niches. You will get a broad range of kids’ and elders’ fashion at Nordstrom. 

Premium department store companies earn less revenue as their sales are limited to a specific target customer niche in the U.S. But Nordstrom’s income is rising. At present, they earn an annual revenue of $134 million. 

Wrapping Up…….

Since the 19th century, most Americans have been shopping for clothes, food, accessories, and homeware from department store companies. Therefore, we see a mix of retailers in the U.S. now. We see discount supermarkets and low-price retailers like Walmart. There are individual malls as well.  At the same time, we see luxury retail department store companies. In conclusion, we may infer that the American retail is broad. Hence, there is a high scope for emerging retailers like Dollar Tree to make their mark.

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