Which companies in the U.S. are the three largest in terms of retail sales?

While the answer provided might have been correct decades ago, the American retail landscape has dramatically shifted. In their prime, Sears and Kmart were titans of the industry, pioneering many of the retail concepts we see today. Sears, with its massive mail-order catalog, was once the largest retailer in the United States, a title it held for many years. Kmart, known for its "Blue Light Specials," was a dominant force in the discount store market. During a specific period, it wouldn't have been surprising to find Walmart, Kmart, and Sears as the top three retailers, representing the pinnacle of American retail.

However, the 21st century has seen a significant change in consumer habits and the competitive environment. The rise of e-commerce and new retail models has led to a major reshuffling of the top players. Sears and Kmart struggled to adapt to these changes, facing declining sales and eventually bankruptcy. Their once-dominant positions have been overtaken by companies that better catered to modern consumer demands for convenience, low prices, and a vast selection.

Today, the top three largest retailers in the U.S. by retail sales are Walmart, Amazon, and Costco. Walmart remains a dominant force with its vast network of physical stores and a growing online presence. Amazon, which started as an online bookstore, has become an e-commerce behemoth, fundamentally changing how people shop. Costco, with its membership-based warehouse club model, has carved out a significant market share by offering bulk goods at low prices. The evolution from a landscape dominated by traditional department and discount stores to one led by a mix of big-box, e-commerce, and warehouse club retailers illustrates the dynamic nature of the retail industry.