![Top U.S. Department Stores by Store Count [2024 Ranking]](https://i0.wp.com/retailboss.co/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/saks1.jpg?fit=2000%2C1333&ssl=1 "7 Largest Department Stores in the United States")
The US retail landscape continues to evolve, with department stores playing a pivotal role in shaping consumer shopping habits. According to a September 2024 report by Statista Research Department, the leading department stores in the United States are ranked based on the number of physical locations. This list highlights the dominance of well-established brands and their strategies to adapt to changing market dynamics.
Here’s a breakdown of the top department stores in 2024 based on Statista data, ranked by the number of stores, along with insights into their geographic presence and retail expansion plans for 2025:
Largest Department Stores in the US in 2024 by Number of Stores
| Rank | Department Store | Number of Stores |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Kohl's Corporation | 1,174 |
| 2 | Macy's Inc. | 718 |
| 3 | Nordstrom | 369 |
| 4 | Belk | 290 |
| 5 | Dillard's | 273 |
| 6 | Saks Fifth Avenue | 46 |
| 7 | Neiman Marcus | 36 |
(Source: Statista, United States: leading department stores 2024, by number of stores, September 2024)
1. Kohl's Corporation
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- Where Most Stores Are Located: Kohl's has a widespread presence across the U.S., with the largest concentration in the Midwest, Northeast, and Sun Belt regions. States like Wisconsin, Illinois, and Texas have a high density of Kohl's stores.
- Retail Expansion Plans for 2025: Kohl's plans to open 50 new small-format stores in 2025, targeting suburban and urban areas. The company also invests in its omnichannel capabilities, including same-day delivery and expanded curbside pickup options.
2. Macy's Inc.
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- Where Most Stores Are Located: Macy's has a significant presence in major metropolitan areas, with flagship stores in New York City, Chicago, and San Francisco. The brand also has a strong foothold in the Northeast and California.
- Retail Expansion Plans for 2025: Macy's plans to open 30 smaller-format stores in 2025, primarily in suburban neighborhoods. The company is also expanding its Market by Macy's concept, which offers a curated selection of products tailored to local preferences.
3. Nordstrom
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- Where Most Stores Are Located: Nordstrom stores are concentrated in upscale shopping districts, with a strong presence on the West Coast (California, Washington) and in major cities like New York and Chicago.
- Retail Expansion Plans for 2025: Nordstrom plans to open 10 new Nordstrom Rack stores in 2025, targeting underserved markets. The company is also enhancing its digital platform to integrate seamlessly with its physical stores.
4. Belk
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- Where Most Stores Are Located: Belk has a strong presence in the Southern U.S., with a high concentration of stores in states like North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia.
- Retail Expansion Plans for 2025: Belk focuses on modernizing its existing stores and expanding its e-commerce capabilities. While no major store openings are planned for 2025, the brand is investing in localized marketing strategies to strengthen its regional appeal.
5. Dillard's
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- Where Most Stores Are Located: Dillard's is primarily located in the Southern and Midwestern U.S., with a strong presence in states like Texas, Florida, and Arkansas.
- Retail Expansion Plans for 2025: Dillard's plans to open 5 new stores in 2025, focusing on suburban areas with growing populations. The company is also expanding its private-label offerings to attract younger customers.
6. Saks Fifth Avenue
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- Where Most Stores Are Located: Saks Fifth Avenue stores are concentrated in luxury shopping districts, with flagship locations in New York City, Beverly Hills, and Chicago.
- Retail Expansion Plans for 2025: Saks plans to open 3 new stores in 2025, targeting affluent markets in cities like Miami and Dallas. The brand also invests heavily in its e-commerce platform, Saks.com, to compete in the luxury online space.
7. Neiman Marcus
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- Where Most Stores Are Located: Neiman Marcus stores are located in high-end shopping destinations, with a strong presence in Texas, California, and Florida.
- Retail Expansion Plans for 2025: Neiman Marcus focuses on enhancing its in-store experiences and expanding its digital capabilities. While no new store openings are planned for 2025, the brand invests in sustainability initiatives and exclusive product collaborations.
Key Trends in the Department Store Industry (2025)
- Omnichannel Retailing: Leading department stores like Kohl's and Macy's are integrating their physical and digital platforms to offer seamless shopping experiences. This includes buy-online-pickup-in-store (BOPIS) options and enhanced mobile apps.
- Small-Format Stores: To adapt to changing consumer preferences, retailers like Macy's are opening smaller, localized stores that cater to specific regional markets.
- Luxury and Off-Price Divisions: Brands like Nordstrom (with Nordstrom Rack) and Saks Fifth Avenue leverage their off-price and luxury segments to attract a broader customer base.
- Sustainability Initiatives: Many department stores, including Neiman Marcus, prioritize sustainability by offering eco-friendly products and reducing their carbon footprint.
Conclusion
The U.S. department store industry remains a cornerstone of retail, with established players like Kohl's, Macy's, and Nordstrom leading the way. Despite challenges like e-commerce competition and changing consumer behaviors, these retailers have adapted by investing in technology, expanding their product offerings, and focusing on customer loyalty.
For more detailed insights, refer to the full report by Statista Research Department.
