How the 2026 Hot 25 Retailers turn lifestyle into loyalty

In our fragmented, polarized and complex world, a sense of belonging is as important as ever — and retailers that provide it are finding new ways to build loyalty. The 2026 NRF Hot 25 Retailers list highlights companies using value, convenience and lifestyle connections to turn sales growth into stronger customer loyalty. 

The Hot 25 Retailers list, compiled by Kantar, ranks the nation’s fastest-growing retail companies based on year-over-year domestic sales. This year’s list is bursting with opportunities for consumers to align with companies that provide a sense of value, identity and emotional connection. That ranges across categories, including convenience stores: Casey’s General Stores hit the list at No. 13, QuikTrip is No. 20, and Wawa is No. 24. 

“Wawa, in particular, is a lifestyle choice,” says Dave Marcotte, Kantar senior vice president. “Wawa shoppers will do anything to get to a Wawa. QuikTrip is similar. It's not as emotional, but people who are QuikTrip shoppers are QuikTrip shoppers.” 

Convenience stores tend to be about, well, convenience. But these retailers have shifted the game, even if consumers have to go out of their way. Casey’s is beloved for its food, he says, from the high-quality pizzas to the meat case, and Wawa for its “entire persona.” 

Marcotte also highlights lifestyle retailers such as Miniso (No. 1) and 99 Ranch Market (No. 15). MINISO represents lifestyle in virtually everything it does, Marcotte says. And as for Asian supermarket chain 99 Ranch Market, “their produce, their bakery, their food, their prepared foods are light years beyond any of the chain grocers. All people have to do is walk in once.” The presentation alone, he says, is enough to convince people that they never want to leave.