NRF 2026 Hot 25 List Highlights Fastest-Growing Retailers

WASHINGTON – The National Retail Federation today announced the 2026 Hot 25 Retailers List, compiled by Kantar. The annual list ranks the fastest-growing retailers in the United States based on increases in domestic retail sales between 2024 and 2025.

“The retailers on this year’s Hot 25 list highlight the diversity and innovation shaping today’s retail landscape,” NRF Chief Economist and Executive Director of Research Mark Mathews said. “As consumer preferences evolve, these retailers are responding with products, value and shopping experiences that resonate with consumers.”

Chinese retailer Miniso claimed the top spot on this year’s list, driven by its broad selection of affordable lifestyle products, emphasis on discovery-driven shopping experiences and continued expansion across the U.S. The company experienced 52.62% sales growth in the U.S. in 2025.

Rounding out the top five were Dick’s Sporting Goods at No. 2 with 48.5% sales growth following its acquisition of Foot Locker, followed by returning retailers Daiso Sangyo (25.8%), Primark (24.2%) and Five Below (22.9%). Daiso Sangyo and Five Below made significant gains, jumping from the top 15 into the top five, while Primark fell two spots in this year’s list.

Among the biggest movers on this year’s list were Ollie’s Bargain Outlet, which jumped to No. 7 from No. 21 last year, along with CVS, which climbed to No. 9 from No. 25. Muji also entered the top 10 this year, climbing to No. 10 after ranking No. 14 in 2025.

“The 2026 Hot 25 list highlights the shifting priorities of today’s consumers,” Kantar Senior Vice President of Global Retail and Technology David Marcotte said. “Shoppers are increasingly seeking a balance of value and quality, along with products that support their lifestyles. The retailers gaining the most momentum are those that understand these consumers and deliver shopping experiences that are convenient and enjoyable.”

Retailers appearing on this year’s list after not ranking in 2025 include Miniso (No. 1), Dick’s Sporting Goods (No. 2), AT&T Wireless (No. 11), Verizon Wireless (No. 12), Casey’s General Store (No. 13), Ulta Beauty (No. 14), Costco (No. 18), RH (formerly Restoration Hardware) (No. 19) and J.Crew (No. 23).

To learn more about the 2026 Hot 25 Retailers and methodology details, visit the NRF blog.

For additional insights, see NRF’s 2026 Top 100 Retailers and Top 50 Global Retailers lists.

About NRF
The National Retail Federation passionately advocates for the people, brands, policies and ideas that help retail succeed. From its headquarters in Washington, D.C., NRF empowers the industry that powers the economy. Retail is the nation’s largest private-sector employer, contributing $5.3 trillion to annual GDP and supporting more than one in four U.S. jobs — 55 million working Americans. For over a century, NRF has been a voice for every retailer and every retail job, educating, inspiring and communicating the powerful impact retail has on local communities and global economies. nrf.com

About Kantar
Kantar is the world's leading marketing data and analytics business and an indispensable brand partner to the world's top companies. We combine the most meaningful attitudinal and behavioral data with deep expertise and advanced analytics to uncover how people think and act. We help clients understand what has happened and why and how to shape the marketing strategies that shape their future.