Retail Stocks
Retail Stocks
There are a lot of stores out there in the retail universe. Needless to say the retail industry plays a huge role in the U.S. economy and is closely watched by investors in all corners of the world. In addition to their retail fronts, nearly every public company on this list also engages in ecommerce activities. Here is a little information on some of the categories located within this sector. A list of publicly traded retail stocks can be found by scrolling down or you can access a list of the companies in each group by the industry links on this page.
Automobile Retailers: The companies in this section are all currently U.S. companies that operate and/or franchise automotive dealerships. Examples of some of the larger companies include AutoNation, Inc. (AN) and CarMax Inc. (KMX).
Auto Part Stores: The companies in this section either are large auto part retailers, automotive service centers or operate websites selling auto parts. Examples include Advance Auto Parts Inc. (AAP), AutoZone, Inc. (AZO) and O’Reilly Automotive, Inc. (ORLY).
Beauty Products and Salons: The companies in this section either operate salons, retail stores that sell beauty products or both. Examples of companies include Sally Beauty Holdings, Inc. (SBH) and Ulta Salon, Cosmetics & Fragrance, Inc. (ULTA).
Book Stores: Includes ecommerce sites focused on books and retail stores such as Barnes & Noble, Inc. (BKS).
Clothing and Footwear Stores: There are literally tens of thousands of retail locations owned by this collective group of public companies. Most of the companies sport very recognizable brand names as a significant amount of money is spent to promote brand awareness. Examples of public companies on this list include:
Lululemon Athletica Inc. (LULU)
TJX Companies, Inc. (The) (TJX)
Convenience Stores: The convenience store companies in this section typically own and operate a large number of locations. Also included in this section are a large number of energy companies who also own/operate/franchise convenience stores. Examples of companies in this section include Casey’s General Stores, Inc. (CASY) and Murphy USA Inc. (MUSA).
Department Stores: There are a number of publicly traded department stores including some very large-sized companies including diversified mega-retailers. Examples of companies in this section include:
Burlington Stores, Inc. (BURL)
J.C. Penney Company, Inc. (JCP)
Discount Stores: These companies have a large number of stores which sell a variety of general merchandise with many of the items costing one dollar or less or are general discount stores. Examples include Dollar General Corporation (DG) and Dollar Tree, Inc. (DLTR).
Ecommerce Companies: One of the largest groups in this category, the ecommerce world seemingly grows larger with each passing day. Here are just a few of the larger companies in this growing category:
Grocery Stores: There are quite a few publicly traded grocery stores, including mega retailers, regional chains, international companies and organic grocery stores. Examples of companies in this category include:
Smart and Final Stores, Inc. (SFS)
Whole Foods Market, Inc. (WFM)
Home Furnishing Retailers: This collective group of companies sells a wide range of home furnishing items at various price points. Examples of companies in this category include Bed Bath & Beyond Inc. (BBBY) and Williams-Sonoma, Inc. (WSM).
Home Improvement Stores: There are not many companies in this section but it does include well-known home improvement retailers Home Depot, Inc. (The) (HD) and Lowe’s Companies, Inc. (LOW).
Membership Warehouses: This type of retail location offers a wide-selection of consumer goods at a discounted rate. Examples include Costco Wholesale Corporation (COST).
Related Links:
Publicly Traded Companies by Sector and Industry
List of Consumer Goods Companies
Industry Links: Retail Stocks
Select the link to access a full list of companies in the selected category along with industry profiles, charts, comparative widgets and links to individual companies.