Chain Store Guide (CSG) publishes a directory of Apparel Specialty Stores annually. The newest version debuts this month. CSG’s 2016 database of Apparel Specialty Stores profiles 4,100 companies involved in retailing apparel, accessories, and sporting goods. These specialty retail companies operate 85,000 retail locations and reported over $244 billion in sales. The research team at Chain Store Guide made over 42,000 revisions to the database of Apparel Specialty Stores in the last year.

The apparel industry is dominated by its top players resulting in fewer companies, but more locations. The Top 100 apparel specialty retailers ranked by industry sales generated $180 billion in revenue making up 88% of the total industry sales. The Top 100 apparel specialty retailers operate 56,500 stores, which is 73% of the total industry’s stores.

The Apparel Specialty Stores database also includes detailed information for 635 sporting goods retailers that operate 6,900 stores. These companies generated $40 billion in industry sales in 2014. The Top 25 sporting goods companies ranked by sales generated $35 billion in revenue representing 88% of the total industry. The Top 25 sporting goods retailers operate 5,400 stores, which is 76% of the industry.

Additionally, Chain Store Guide’s Apparel Specialty Stores database includes data on major trade associations and their contacts. The database is used by suppliers, service providers, consultants, brokers, and anyone involved in the distribution of products and services to retailers of apparel, sporting goods, footwear, and accessories. The Apparel Specialty Stores database is available in various formats including print and online. The online version is updated daily and includes numerous query, search, and exporting features. These features include the ability to search on fastest growing companies allowing the user to identify retailers making a large jump in sales or unit count.

CSG’s complete family of apparel products includes Apparel Specialty Stores, Department Stores, and Discount Stores & Specialty Retailers. If you have questions or suggestions on how Chain Store Guide can better help you meet your objectives or overcome your challenges, please contact Natasha Perry.