When working with a list of the top 100 apparel specialty retailers ranked by industry sales, I realized there are quite a few new players in the game. Currently, there are apparel companies opening stores and growing sales at double-digit rates. There are top designers opening company-owned stores and private labels start-ups that are seeing better-than expected results. The top continues to be dominated by retailers like TJ Maxx and Marshalls, Gap and Old Navy, but there are new names that stood out on the list. Here is a profile of a few of these companies that made it to Chain Store Guide’s Top Apparel Specialty Retailers.
(H & M) Hennes & Mauritz
Headquartered in New York, NY
2012 Sales: $1,920,000,000
269 current U.S. stores
H&M, a Swedish-based retailer that was established in the U.S. only thirteen years ago, is in the top third of Chain Store Guide’s list. The company is known for family apparel at a lower price, but still high fashion.
Lululemon Athletica
Headquartered in Vancouver, BC
2012 Sales: $1,372,000,000
189 current U.S. stores, 45 in Canada
Lululemon is noted for starting the trend of yoga-wear and using the best fabrics and fits for an active lifestyle to create loyal customers. Started in Canada, there are now four times more retail locations in the U.S.
Fossil Inc.
Headquartered in Richardson, TX
2012 Sales: $715,000,000
226 current U.S. stores
Fossil Inc. is not just about watches anymore. Operating retail and outlet stores the company has grown to over 200 locations offering multiple product lines such as jewelry, clothing and handbags.
True Religion Apparel Inc.
Headquartered in Vernon, CA
2012 Sales: $281,000,000
128 current U.S. stores
True Religion Apparel Inc., only about a decade old, has already crept into the top 100 with its designer jeans. Small boutiques offer expensive denim for the whole family.
If you have questions on these companies or to find more information on other apparel retailers, please see Chain Store Guide’s database of Apparel Specialty Stores.
