The Top 10 Retail Companies in the US

The U.S. retail industry is home to some of the largest and most influential companies in the world. These businesses serve millions of customers daily, operate thousands of stores nationwide, and generate hundreds of billions of dollars in annual revenue. From general merchandise and groceries to home improvement and pharmacy chains, each company on this list has established a dominant presence across the American retail landscape.

Here’s a closer look at the ten largest U.S. retailers — when they were founded, who started them, how many stores they run, how much revenue they earn, and what’s driving their continued success.

Walmart remains the largest retailer in the world. It reported $635 billion in global revenue in fiscal 2024, of which $534 billion came from U.S. operations. The company earned around $9 billion in net income. With over 4,600 Walmart stores and 600+ Sam’s Club locations across the U.S., it leverages scale, supply chain dominance, and a strong grocery base. Walmart has aggressively pushed into automation, same-day delivery, and in-store fulfillment, making it a serious competitor to Amazon in both physical and digital retail.

Amazon earned approximately $387 billion in U.S. retail sales in 2023, while reporting net income of $59.2 billion, heavily supported by AWS. It operates fewer traditional stores — about 600, including Whole Foods, Amazon Fresh, and Go — but owns a vast logistics empire of over 110 warehouses or fulfillment centers. Prime subscriptions, private-label products, and last-mile delivery services keep Amazon’s flywheel spinning, while its physical presence continues to grow in urban grocery and high-frequency categories.

Costco generated $249.6 billion in net sales during fiscal 2024, marking a 5% increase year-over-year, and achieved a net income of $7.37 billion, a 17% rise compared to the prior year. The company operates 614 U.S. and Puerto Rico warehouses as of the end of FY 2024. Costco’s membership-based model remains at the core of its strategy, delivering high customer loyalty with a renewal rate above 90% and driving robust sales per warehouse. Its hallmark low-margin, high-volume business, underpinned by the popular Kirkland Signature private label, continues to fuel steady growth, even amid economic pressures.

The Home Depot earned $157 billion in fiscal 2024 revenue and posted $14.8 billion in net income, making it one of the most profitable retailers in the country. It operates about 2,000 stores nationwide, most of them sprawling big-box locations serving DIYers and professionals. Its continued investments in logistics, jobsite services, and e-commerce pickup have strengthened its market hold. The contractor segment and rental services are driving a larger share of transactions and revenue.

Kroger posted $150 billion in revenue for fiscal 2024 and generated about $2.16 billion in net income. With over 2,700 stores operating under various regional banners, it leads the traditional U.S. grocery space. Kroger’s strength lies in private-label manufacturing, loyalty-driven promotions, and vertical integration — from farms to shelves. The rollout of robotic fulfillment centers through its Ocado partnership has positioned it as a serious digital grocery competitor.

Walgreens Boots Alliance reported $147.7 billion in global sales for fiscal 2024, up 6.2% year-over-year. It operates over 8,600 U.S. pharmacies, making it one of the most widespread retail chains in the country. The company is shifting from retail to healthcare, expanding VillageMD clinics and in-store diagnostics. It also plans to close 1,200 underperforming stores by 2027 as part of a cost-cutting push. Despite that, Walgreens retains a strong national footprint while navigating a tougher competitive and regulatory landscape.

CVS Health reported $372.8 billion in total revenue for fiscal 2024, with growth across its healthcare, pharmacy, and services divisions. Net income fell to $4.6 billion, down from $8.4 billion a year earlier, due to rising medical costs and restructuring expenses. CVS operates 9,135 retail pharmacies, the largest network in the U.S., and continues to convert stores into HealthHUBs offering care, diagnostics, and prescriptions. As part of its footprint optimization, the company has closed 900 stores and plans to shutter another 271 locations in 2025, while still reaching 85% of the U.S. population within 10 miles.

Target brought in $105.8 billion in revenue in 2024 and posted net income of around $4.09 billion. The company operates approximately 1,950 stores nationwide, many of which double as fulfillment hubs for online orders. Target’s unique advantage lies in its stylish yet affordable private-label products and curated in-store experience. Its use of stores as logistics centers, combined with a slick digital app, has helped it thrive in the age of hybrid shopping.

Lowe’s earned $83.7 billion in sales during fiscal 2024 and recorded nearly $7 billion in net income, reflecting strong profitability. Operating 1,746 stores across the U.S., the company continues to focus on professional contractors and B2B customers. Their growth in this segment is supported by enhanced pro rewards, digital tools, and improved supply chain efficiency. Despite headwinds in DIY, Lowe’s strong margins and contractor strategy help it stay competitive with Home Depot.

Albertsons reported $77.9 billion in revenue for fiscal 2024, with net income increasing to $1.295 billion, representing a 7% year-over-year rise. The chain operates approximately 2,271 U.S. stores, including banners like Safeway, Jewel-Osco, and Vons. Its strategy centers on digital ordering, loyalty enhancements, and pharmacy growth, enabling a future-forward retail model. Despite a failed merger with Kroger, Albertsons continues to reduce costs via automation, store closures, and improved pricing tactics.