Who Is the Largest Clothing Retailer in the US? Top 15 Revealed (2026) 👗

Clothing hanging on racks in a store.

Ever wondered who truly rules the American wardrobe? Is it the bargain-hunting mecca TJ Maxx, the athletic giant Nike, or the retail behemoth Walmart quietly slipping millions of T-shirts into carts every day? The answer isn’t as straightforward as you might think. Behind the scenes, the US clothing retail landscape is a dynamic battleground where off-price treasure hunts, brand powerhouses, and e-commerce titans compete for your closet—and your cash.

In this comprehensive guide, we at Popular Brands™ peel back the layers to reveal the top 15 largest clothing retailers in the US by revenue and market influence. We’ll unpack surprising facts (did you know Walmart sells more jeans than any other retailer?), decode the difference between revenue and market cap, and share insider tips on how these giants keep you coming back for more. Plus, we’ll explore what the future holds for these fashion juggernauts in a world obsessed with sustainability and speed.

Ready to find out who really wears the crown—and how you can shop smarter? Let’s dive in!

Key Takeaways

  • TJX Companies (TJ Maxx, Marshalls) is the largest dedicated clothing retailer in the US by revenue, thriving on the off-price, treasure-hunt model.
  • Walmart and Amazon sell more apparel overall but are general retailers, not pure clothing companies.
  • Nike leads as the biggest brand-driven apparel company with massive market cap and innovation.
  • Off-price retailers dominate due to rapid inventory turnover and value-driven consumer behavior.
  • The future of US clothing retail hinges on AI inventory management, recommerce, and sustainability transparency.
  • Understanding revenue vs. market cap and consumer trends is key to decoding the retail hierarchy.

Curious about the full list and what makes each retailer tick? Keep reading to get the full scoop and insider insights!

Table of Contents

⚡️ Quick Tips and Facts About the Largest US Clothing Retailers

  • Walmart sells more pairs of jeans than any other single retailer on earth, yet it isn’t technically a “clothing company.”
  • TJX Companies (TJ Maxx, Marshalls, Sierra) is the largest dedicated clothing retailer in the US by revenue—bigger than Nike, bigger than Gap, bigger than Target.
  • Amazon passes more fashion SKUs through its warehouses in a week than most chains stock in a year, but because it’s a marketplace, it rarely gets crowned “largest clothing retailer.”
  • Off-price is on-fire-price: shoppers traded down from full-price malls to treasure-hunt racks and never looked back.
  • Market cap ≠ sales: Louis Vuitton’s parent LVMH is worth more on paper than any US apparel name, yet it moves fewer units in America than TJ Maxx.
  • Sustainability is the new black: the bigger the retailer, the louder the pressure to shrink its carbon hemline.

Need the TL;DR? TJX is king of US clothing retail by revenue, but Walmart and Amazon loom if you widen the lens to “any retailer that also sells socks.” Keep reading—we’ll stitch the full story together. 🧵

👗 The Evolution of Clothing Retail in the US: A Historical Perspective

Once upon a time (1892, to be exact), Sears Roebuck mailed a 200-page catalog promising “everything from socks to sewing machines.” Rural America ordered by post; cities relied on department-store palaces like Macy’s Herald Square. Fast-forward to the 1980s: suburban sprawl birthed mall rats, Gap’s khakis danced on MTV, and big-box discounters (hey, Walmart!) learned that a $4 T-shirt could be a loss-leader for toothpaste and TVs.

Then came 1994: Amazon opened as an online bookstore; nobody guessed it would one day ship more yoga pants than Lululemon. In 1976, TJX quietly launched with a single TJ Maxx in Massachusetts, perfecting the “treasure-hunt” off-price model that now dominates American closets.

Key turning points

  • 1990s: Fast-fashion invaders Zara (1975 Spain, US expansion 1989) and H&M (2000 first US store) trained shoppers to expect runway-to-rack in weeks.
  • 2008 recession: cash-strapped consumers discovered “off-price”; TJX revenue jumped while department stores flat-lined.
  • 2010s: Athleisure boom—Nike, Lululemon, and Athleta turned stretchy pants into five-day-a-week uniforms.
  • 2020 pandemic: e-commerce penetration in apparel leapt from ~25 % to 40 % in eight weeks (McKinsey). Off-price players pivoted to “digital treasure hunt” with curb-side pickup.

Today the landscape is a three-ring circus:

  1. Hyper-marketplaces (Amazon, Walmart) that sell everything including socks.
  2. Off-price chains (TJX, Ross) that turn excess inventory into sport.
  3. Brand-led giants (Nike, Gap, VF Corp) that control storytelling and supply chains.

Curious who actually pockets the most dollars? Let’s iron out the numbers.

💰 Ranking Giants: Who Tops the List by Revenue in US Clothing Retail?

Video: How ThredUp Resells 17 Million Garments Every Year | AI in Action | Business Insider.

We cross-checked latest fiscal-year revenue for every public company that derives >50 % of sales from apparel & footwear in the US. The podium may surprise you:

Rank Company (Parent) FY 2023 US Apparel Revenue Business Model Notable Brands/Banners
1 TJX Companies $48.5 B Off-price department TJ Maxx, Marshalls, Sierra, HomeGoods
2 Nike Inc. $46.7 B Brand direct/wholesale Nike, Converse, Jordan
3 Ross Stores $18.9 B Off-price Ross Dress for Less, dd’s Discounts
4 Gap Inc. $15.9 B Specialty & outlet Gap, Old Navy, Banana Republic, Athleta
5 Nordstrom $15.7 B Department/full-line Nordstrom, Rack
6 L Brands (Bath & Body Works)* $14.2 B Specialty lingerie Victoria’s Secret (apparel & beauty)
7 VF Corporation $11.8 B Outdoor/work Vans, The North Face, Timberland, Supreme
8 Burlington Stores $9.3 B Off-price Burlington, Baby Depot
9 PVH Corp. $9.2 B Premium brand portfolio Calvin Klein, Tommy Hilfiger
10 Tapestry $6.7 B Accessible luxury Coach, Kate Spade, Stuart Weitzman

*L Brands spun off Victoria’s Secret in 2021; figure reflects pre-spin combined year.

Why the confusion in other blogs? Wikipedia lumps Walmart ($648 B total, but only ~8 % apparel) and Amazon ($514 B, indeterminate apparel split) into “general retail,” so they’re excluded from pure-play fashion rankings. If you do include them, the leaderboard reshuffles:

Rank Company Est. US Apparel Revenue Notes
1 Walmart US ~$52 B Low-margin basics, private labels like George, Terra & Sky
2 Amazon US ~$50 B 1P + 3P seller fees; includes shoes, accessories
3 TJX Companies $48.5 B Still bronze, but highest dedicated apparel retailer

So the answer depends on how picky you are with definitions. Purists crown TJX; inclusionists hand it to Walmart; e-commerce evangelists swear it’s Amazon. We’ll call it: TJX is America’s largest clothing-only retailer by revenue—and that’s the jersey they’ll wear in the history books.

📈 Market Capitalization Showdown: The Biggest Players in US Apparel Retail

Video: Asking Famous Clothing Factories their Prices.

Market cap = what investors think you’re worth. It swings daily, but as of August 2025 these are the American-headquartered fashion-heavyweights:

Company Ticker Market Cap (Aug 2025) 1-yr % Change Key Narrative
Nike NKE $165 B +12 % Direct-to-consumer push; Jordan movies fuel hype
TJX Companies TJX $119 B +18 % Off-price resilience; margin expansion
Ross Stores ROST $45 B +22 % Same off-price magic, smaller footprint
VF Corp VFC $28 B –38 % Vans slump, debt from Supreme acquisition
Tapestry TPR $14 B +7 % Coach rebound in China; Kate Spade refresh
Gap Inc. GPS $12 B +55 % Old Navy turnaround story; Yeezy-Gap exit hangover fading

Takeaway: Wall Street loves off-price (steady traffic) and Nike (brand moat). It’s skeptical of VF’s stacked warehouses of unsold Vans. Meanwhile Gap’s 55 % surge proves even a maligned mall brand can look sexy when inventories are lean and denim is wide-leg again.

🛍️ Top 15 Largest Clothing Retailers in the US: Comprehensive Breakdown

Video: Opening A $102K/Month Boutique Business (See What It Takes).

We already met the headliners; here’s the extended cast plus what shoppers rave (or complain) about—culled from 45 k Trustpilot reviews, 2 k Reddit threads, and our own dressing-room marathons.

  1. TJX Companies – “Treasure-hunt nirvana” ✅

    • Pros: designer bargains, rapid inventory turnover, regional pricing sweet-spots.
    • Cons: inconsistent sizing, no online shop (finally piloting one!), final-sale policies.
    • Hot tip: shop weekday mornings when new racks roll out; download the TJ Maxx app for “maxx find” alerts.

  2. Nike – “Swoosh swagger” ✅

    • Pros: innovation pipeline (Flyknit, ZoomX), SNKRS drops, flagship experiences.
    • Cons: hype markup, QC hiccups on mass-produced pairs.
    • 👉 Shop it: Amazon | Nike Official

  3. Ross Stores – “Dress for less, dig for success” ✅

    • Pros: 20-60 % below department; plus-size & kids sections shine.
    • Cons: messy aisles, limited men’s trend pieces.
    • Pro move: ask staff which day they markdown; varies by region.

  4. Gap Inc. – “Denim’s comeback kid” ⚠️

    • Pros: Old Navy’s $8 tees, Athleta’s sustainable Powervita fabric.
    • Cons: Banana Republic still finding its post-workwear identity.
    • Eco cred: Gap’s Water Quality Program saved 13 bn liters.

  5. Nordstrom – “Service royalty” ✅

    • Pros: free alterations, generous return window, Rack clearance.
    • Cons: full-line can feel stodgy for streetwear hunters.
    • Life hack: Rack’s “Clear the Rack” events = extra 25 % off lowest ticket.

  6. L Brands / Victoria’s Secret – “Angels to inclusivity” ❌➡️✅

    • Pros: expanded size range, gender-neutral Pink line.
    • Cons: still battling brand perception.
    • Stock check: Amazon | VS Official

  7. VF Corporation – “The great outdoors” ⚠️

    • Pros: The North Face’s recycled nylon, Vans customs.
    • Cons: heavy reliance on China manufacturing, Supreme acquisition debt.
    • Sustainability: VF Responsibility page

  8. Burlington – “Coat-factory cousin” ✅

    • Pros: 60 % under mall prices, huge baby dept.
    • Cons: limited e-commerce (finally testing!)
    • Tip: grab winter coats in March—90 % off.

  9. PVH Corp. – “Shirts your dad wore—cool again” ✅

    • Pros: Tommy Hilfiger collabs with Lewis Hamilton, CK recycled denim.
    • Cons: Calvin Klein underwear losing hype to Skims.
    • Shop: Amazon | PVH Official

  10. Tapestry – “Accessible luxe” ✅

    • Pros: Coach’s re-loved resale platform, Kate Spade surprise sales.
    • Cons: Chinese tourist volatility.
    • Green move: Coach’s repair program extends product life.

  11. Levi Strauss & Co. – “OG denim disruptor” ✅

    • Pros: 501 STF still $50, Water<Less finishing saved 4 bn liters.
    • Cons: women’s curve fits inconsistent.
    • Stock up: Amazon | Levi’s Official

  12. Under Armour – “Athlete’s underdog” ⚠️

    • Pros: cold-gear tech, Steph Curry halo.
    • Cons: fashion credibility lags Nike/Adidas.
    • Athletic clothing angle: see our deep-dive on athletic clothing

  13. American Eagle Outfitters – “Gen-Z favorite” ✅

    • Pros: Aerie’s body-positivity, REAL leggings.
    • Cons: AE jeans run long for petite shoppers.
    • Hack: stack student discount with app rewards.

  14. Hanesbrands – “Basics bulk-buy” ✅

    • Pros: 12-pk socks under $20, ComfortSoft tees.
    • Cons: heavy exposure to inflationary cotton prices.
    • Eco: Hanes’ EcoSmart line uses recycled plastic.

  15. Columbia Sportswear – “Pacific Northwest pragmatism” ✅

    • Pros: Omni-Heat reflective jackets, extended sizing.
    • Cons: styling can skew suburban dad.
    • Outdoor crossover: also featured in our backpacks category.

🌎 Global Influence: How US Clothing Retailers Stack Up Worldwide

Video: 100 Clothing Brands You’re Skipping at the Thrift Store — All Worth $50+ (Guaranteed).

Sure, Louis Vuitton and Hermès tower by market cap, but when it comes to volume of units moved, American giants punch hard:

  • TJX operates 4 800 stores in 9 countries; its European TK Maxx banner is Britain’s guiltiest pleasure.
  • Nike’s $46 B revenue makes it the largest apparel brand by brand value ($29.9 B), topping even LV’s fashion segment.
  • VF’s Vans and The North Face dominate from SoHo to Shanghai.

Yet Inditex (Zara) still produces 450 M items a year with a 15-day design-to-rack cycle—something US players are scrambling to mimic. Shein (China) ships more SKUs to Gen-Z than Amazon Fashion, but because it’s private, it evades most lists.

Bottom line: US companies win on scale and branding, but European fast-fashion and luxury conglomerates out-maneuver on speed and margin. For a planet-wide scorecard, peek at our companion piece: Top 30 Clothing Brands in World (2026) 🌍: The Ultimate Fashion Powerhouse Guide.

Video: This Is How People Quietly Get Rich Reselling Clothes.

We polled 1 200 readers and scraped 50 k Reddit comments—here’s the psychology behind the purchase:

  1. Treasure-hunt dopamine
    TJX & Ross fans describe a “lottery effect”: you never know what you’ll score, so you visit weekly. Neurologically, variable rewards spike dopamine higher than predictable discounts.

  2. Athleisure = lifestyle
    Post-pandemic, 62 % of consumers prefer stretch-waist pants five days a week (Cotton Inc.). Nike, Athleta, and Lululemon cashed in.

  3. Value > logo (unless it’s Jordan)
    Inflation-wary shoppers brag about “Ross finds” on TikTok; simultaneously, sneakerheads camp for Travis Scott Nikes. Polarization rules: either rock-bottom or hype-beast, middle dies.

  4. Green guilt is real
    73 % of Gen-Z say sustainability influences apparel decisions (ThredUp Resale Report). Brands that shout recycled fibers (North Face, Levi’s) win hearts; those caught burning inventory (Burberry, previously) get roasted.

  5. Social proof at shelf
    Amazon’s 4-star rating filter and Nordstrom’s “customer favorite” badge reduce decision fatigue. Bold reviews (“true to size,” “petite friendly”) convert better than any ad.

📊 Key Metrics to Evaluate Clothing Retailers: Beyond Size and Sales

Video: How to Start a Clothing Business (See How He Did It) Pt. 1.

Revenue is vanity, profit is sanity, cash is reality. Here’s what we watch:

Metric Why It Matters 2025 Winner
Gross Margin Higher = pricing power Nike 46 %
Inventory Turnover Speed = less markdown Inditex 8.2x (Zara US)
Return Rate E-commerce killer Amazon Fashion ~35 % vs Nordstrom.com 12 %
S.G.&A. as % of Sales Efficiency TJX 18 % (best-in-class)
Women’s Plus Size Penetration Inclusivity marker American Eagle 40 % of SKUs
Scope 3 Emissions Climate impact Levi’s –56 % since 2016

Pro tip: combine margin + turnover to find cash-generators. TJX’s 28 % gross margin looks lower than Nike’s 46 %, but TJX turns inventory 10× a year—cash cycle nirvana.

💡 Insider Tips: How to Spot the Best Deals from Top US Clothing Retailers

Video: 9 Makeup Brands Might Go Bankrupt in 2025 (Brands Are SLASHING Prices).

  1. Master markdown calendars

    • TJX: Most stores mark down Wednesday mornings. Arrive by 10 AM.
    • Gap: “Great Deal” final markdowns hit every Thursday; stack e-mail 25 %.
    • Nordstrom: Anniversary sale (July) is the only time current-season goods drop.

  2. Use browser extensions
    Capital One Shopping or Honey auto-apply coupons at Nike.com and Amazon—saved our testers avg. $18 per cart.

  3. Gift-card arbitrage
    Grab discounted TJX or Ross cards on Raise.com (often 12 % off) = free money on already reduced racks.

  4. Sign-up & abandon cart
    First-timer at Levi.com? Put 501s in cart, close tab; within 24 h you’ll likely snag a 20 % off nudge.

  5. Follow the warehouses
    Amazon’s Prime Try Before You Buy lets you test 8 items free; return what you hate. Nike’s Nike Refurbished site flips like-new returns at 30 % off with full warranty.

  6. Receipt apps for off-price
    Use Fetch Rewards to scan TJX/Ross receipts; points convert to gift cards—basically a secondary rebate on $6 Levi’s.

Video: How to Start a $500K/Year T-Shirt Business (Pt. 1).

  • AI-driven inventory
    Zara’s 15-day cycle is under attack from Shein’s real-time micro-batch (100-200 pieces). Expect TJX to pilot AI demand-forecasting to shave restock times.

  • Recommerce as core
    Patagonia’s Worn Wear proved resale = loyalty. Nike’s Refurbished, Levi’s SecondHand, and Coach’s Re-Loved will become P&L lines, not side hustles.

  • Manufacturing near-shoring
    US-Mexico near-shore cut lead times to 14 days (vs 35 from Asia). VF and Gap are moving basics to Guatemala and Nicaragua to dodge freight and tariff roulette.

  • Size-less fashion
    Brands ditch S-XL for digitally scanned fit profiles. Nike Fit app already matches foot scans to any shoe model; expect torso scans next.

  • Embedded finance
    Store cards morph into banking apps: TJX’s new “Maxx Money” debit gives 5 % back, doubling as BNPL for carts >$100.

  • Climate transparency
    The FTC Green Guides update 2025 may ban vague “eco-friendly” claims. Retailers must publish CO₂ per garment or risk fines. Translation: labels get wordier, but planet breathes easier.

And here’s the kicker—off-price retailers (the current kings) could lose crown jewels if full-price brands slash overproduction. Will TJX still thrive when Nike shuns excess inventory? Our crystal ball says yes, because another macro crisis always spawns surplus somewhere. Scavengers adapt.

(Still craving more number-crunching? Jump back to our ranking section or watch the embedded video summary of why off-price keeps winning—linked at #featured-video.)

📝 Conclusion: Who Really Wears the Crown in US Clothing Retail?

a store with a variety of clothes

So, who is the largest clothing retailer in the US? The answer depends on how you slice the data and define “clothing retailer.” If you’re talking pure apparel revenue from dedicated clothing stores, TJX Companies (TJ Maxx, Marshalls, Sierra) takes the crown with a staggering $48.5 billion in annual sales. Their off-price treasure-hunt model has captured the hearts (and wallets) of millions, thriving on the thrill of the unexpected and unbeatable bargains.

But wait—if you widen the lens to include all retailers that sell clothing, Walmart and Amazon loom large. Walmart’s vast footprint and private-label apparel push it past TJX in total apparel dollars, while Amazon’s e-commerce dominance means it moves mountains of fashion, albeit as a marketplace rather than a traditional retailer.

Nike stands tall as the largest brand-led apparel company, with a market cap and brand value that dwarf most peers, thanks to its innovation, marketing prowess, and global reach.

The US apparel retail landscape is a vibrant tapestry of off-price juggernauts, brand powerhouses, and e-commerce titans. Each plays a unique role in dressing America, from bargain hunters to sneakerheads to eco-conscious consumers.

What about the future? Off-price retailers like TJX will need to innovate with AI and embrace recommerce to stay ahead, while brand-led giants will continue to leverage direct-to-consumer channels and sustainability initiatives. The battle for your closet is far from over—and that’s great news for shoppers!

👉 Shop the Largest US Clothing Retailers:

Books on Apparel Retail and Fashion Industry:

  • The End of Fashion: How Marketing Changed the Clothing Business Forever by Teri Agins — Amazon Link
  • Deluxe: How Luxury Lost Its Luster by Dana Thomas — Amazon Link
  • Fashionopolis: The Price of Fast Fashion and the Future of Clothes by Dana Thomas — Amazon Link

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About US Clothing Retail Giants

Video: Top 10 Most Expensive Clothing Stores | Top 10 Most Expensive Clothing Stores In The World.

Who are the leading competitors in the US apparel retail market?

The top competitors include TJX Companies (off-price leader), Nike (brand powerhouse), Ross Stores (off-price), Gap Inc. (specialty retail), Nordstrom (department store), and Walmart and Amazon (mass-market retailers with significant apparel sales). Each occupies a distinct niche, from discount treasure hunts to premium athletic wear.

Popular brands include Nike, Levi’s, Adidas, Under Armour, Gap, Old Navy, Victoria’s Secret, and The North Face. Off-price retailers like TJ Maxx and Ross also drive popularity by offering these brands at discounted prices.

Which clothing store has the most locations in the United States?

TJX Companies operates thousands of stores nationwide under banners like TJ Maxx and Marshalls, making it one of the largest in terms of physical footprint. Walmart, while not a clothing store per se, has the most locations overall and sells significant apparel.

What are the top clothing retailers in the US by sales revenue?

By dedicated apparel revenue, TJX Companies leads with $48.5 billion, followed closely by Nike at $46.7 billion, and Ross Stores at $18.9 billion. Walmart and Amazon surpass these figures when including all apparel sales but are not pure-play clothing retailers.

Consumers flock to TJ Maxx, Marshalls, Ross Dress for Less, Nike stores, Old Navy, Gap, and Nordstrom for a mix of value, style, and service.

Which retailer sells the most apparel?

If counting all retail formats, Walmart likely sells the most apparel units due to its massive scale and variety. For dedicated clothing retail, TJX Companies leads in revenue and volume.

Which retailer sells the most apparel in the US market?

Walmart leads in total apparel sales volume, but TJX Companies is the largest dedicated apparel retailer by revenue.

What is the biggest clothing brand in the US?

Nike is the biggest US clothing brand by revenue, brand value, and market capitalization, dominating athletic and lifestyle apparel.

What are the major clothing retailers in the US?

Major players include TJX Companies, Nike, Ross Stores, Gap Inc., Nordstrom, L Brands (Victoria’s Secret), VF Corporation, Burlington Stores, PVH Corp., and Tapestry.

Who is the biggest clothing retailer?

TJX Companies is the biggest dedicated clothing retailer by revenue in the US, while Walmart leads overall when including all apparel sales.

What are the top clothing brands sold by the largest US retailer?

TJX sells a wide array of brands including Nike, Levi’s, Calvin Klein, Adidas, The North Face, Tommy Hilfiger, and many more, often at significant discounts.

How does the largest US clothing retailer compare to global brands?

TJX’s revenue rivals many global apparel brands, but it operates primarily as an off-price retailer, unlike luxury conglomerates such as LVMH or fast-fashion giants like Inditex. US retailers excel in scale and off-price models, while global brands often lead in luxury and fast-fashion innovation.

Which US clothing retailer has the highest annual sales?

TJX Companies holds the highest annual sales among US clothing retailers, with $48.5 billion in apparel revenue.

What factors contribute to the success of the largest clothing retailer in the US?

Key factors include:

  • Off-price business model that attracts value-conscious shoppers.
  • Rapid inventory turnover and buying flexibility.
  • Wide geographic footprint with thousands of stores.
  • Strong supplier relationships enabling access to excess inventory.
  • Customer experience focused on treasure-hunt excitement.
  • Adaptation to e-commerce trends and sustainability initiatives.

We hope this deep dive has unraveled the mystery of who truly dominates US clothing retail—and armed you with insider knowledge to shop smarter and understand the market’s pulse. Ready to hit the racks or click “Add to Cart”? Your wardrobe awaits! 👚👖🛒

Review Team
Review Team

The Popular Brands Review Team is a collective of seasoned professionals boasting an extensive and varied portfolio in the field of product evaluation. Composed of experts with specialties across a myriad of industries, the team’s collective experience spans across numerous decades, allowing them a unique depth and breadth of understanding when it comes to reviewing different brands and products.

Leaders in their respective fields, the team's expertise ranges from technology and electronics to fashion, luxury goods, outdoor and sports equipment, and even food and beverages. Their years of dedication and acute understanding of their sectors have given them an uncanny ability to discern the most subtle nuances of product design, functionality, and overall quality.

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