Special Report
The Most Popular Stores in America
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Walmart is the most popular store in America. More than half of all shoppers in the country visit a Walmart location in a given month. No other U.S. store can claim a majority of Americans as customers.
24/7 Wall St. reviewed foot traffic figures at major U.S. stores provided by data service company Placed Insights. According to Placed Insights, which monitors on a monthly basis hundreds of thousands of American consumers, the most popular stores are primarily fast food, discount retail, and pharmacy chains. There is one gas station on the list, Shell.
The nation’s most-visited stores are popular for a range of reasons. One of the main reasons is likely the sheer size of some of these companies. With 14,259 McDonald’s restaurants and 13,626 Dollar Tree locations across the nation, the two stores are virtually ubiquitous. Similarly, Walmart, the world’s largest retailer, has enough stores in every state in the country to be accessible to most Americans.
Click here to see the most popular stores in America.
As the nation’s most popular stores, these companies also tend to dominate their respective markets. By revenue, Walmart is the largest retailer; McDonald’s is the largest fast food chain; CVS is the largest pharmacy; and Shell is one of the world’s largest oil and gas companies. Among the most popular stores, these mega brands also tend to come in pairs. While Walmart tops the list, one of its competitors, Target, is also in the top 15. The Home Depot is the most popular home improvement store at 11th, but Lowe’s is close behind, in 14th place. And while McDonald’s may enjoy visits from nearly half of all American consumers, Wendy’s, Burger King, and Taco Bell are also among the most popular stores in America.
According to David Shim, founder and CEO of Placed Insights, ultimately, the popularity of these stores reflects the desire among American consumers to have choices. Since so many people are visiting so few places, this may seem counter-intuitive. But according to Shim, when it comes to choice, Americans seem to prefer clarity over volume. “People want to be able to choose ‘a’ versus ‘b’ but they don’t want to choose from ‘a’,’b’, ‘c’,’d’,’e’,’f’.”
Price also appears to be a factor in popularity, as more than half of the 15 most trafficked stores are either fast food chains or discount retailers. Shim explained that restaurants dominate the list of popular stores primarily because of the high frequency of visits — but also because the product is very affordable.
Most of these 15 popular stores also wield some of the nation’s largest advertising budgets, which likely helps increase foot traffic. Of the 15 most popular stores in America, 11 are among the 200 largest ad spenders identified by business data tracking company Advertising Age. Walmart and McDonald’s — the first and second most popular stores — spent $866.7 million and $935.1 million on advertisements in 2014, the sixth and fourth largest expenditures respectively.
To determine the nation’s most popular stores, 24/7 Wall St. reviewed data provided by Placed Insights, which calculated the percentage of Americans 13 and older who visited various stores in April 2016. The shares of men and women visiting these stores also came from Placed Insights. We also reviewed U.S. sales and store count data reported in recent company financial documents, as well as advertising expenditure figures from Advertising Age in 2013 and 2014.
These are the most popular stores in America.
15. 7-Eleven
> Pct. of consumers visiting in April: 15.1%
> Number of U.S. stores: 7,800
> Store category: Convenience stores
In a given month, 15.1% of American consumers visit a 7-Eleven, making the convenience store the 15th most popular store in the country. 7-Eleven claims to dominate the world’s branded 24-hour convenience stores with half the market share. The company, which is controlled by Japan-based President Chain Store Corporation (PSC), employed 29,903 people worldwide as of the middle of last year. Of the 7,800 7-Eleven U.S. locations, 6,400 are franchises.
In the United States, men are more likely than women to visit a 7-Eleven, one of only a few stores reviewed where this is the case.
14. Lowe’s (NYSE: LOW)
> Pct. of consumers visiting in April: 16.1%
> Number of U.S. stores: 1,857
> Store category: Home improvement stores
Lowe’s is one of numerous hardware stores, lumber yards, and garden centers included in the building material and garden equipment subsector. The industry was worth an estimated $332.1 billion in 2015, up by 4.2% from the year before. Hardware-related sales at the home-improvement giant, however, are a small share of its total market and total sales. In addition to hardware, Lowe’s sells a broad array of home-related goods.
Home prices and demand for home improvement supplies can significantly impact Lowe’s business. With the ongoing economic recovery and housing market on the mend, Lowe’s posted sizable sales increases in recent years. The company reported revenues of $59.1 billion in fiscal 2015, up from $56.2 billion the previous fiscal year.
13. Wendy’s (NASDAQ: WEN)
> Pct. of consumers visiting in April: 16.9%
> Number of U.S. stores: 6,112
> Store category: Restaurants
The first Wendy’s opened in Columbus, Ohio in 1969. Now, nearly half a century later, Wendy’s is one of the most popular restaurant chains in America, with locations in every state and the District of Columbia. Wendy’s is one of several fast food restaurants to rank among the most popular stores in the county. In a given month, 16.9% of American consumers go to a Wendy’s location, including the restaurant’s drive-through service. Shim noted that while the foot traffic measurement only counts customers once, the popularity of restaurants is due largely to the high frequency of visits.
As is the case with the majority of the most popular stores in the country, Wendy’s advertising budget is large compared to most U.S. stores. The company spent $284.1 million on marketing in 2014, among the top 50 advertising spenders for that year.
12. Shell (NYSE: RDS-A)
> Pct. of consumers visiting in April: 18.0%
> Number of stores: 43,000 (worldwide)
> Store category: Major integrated oil & gas
The price of oil plummeted in the middle of 2014 and remained relatively low throughout 2015. As a result, Shell’s revenue, like those of other oil and gas companies, declined. This has not prevented American drivers from visiting gas stations, however. With 18% of Americans visiting a Shell station in a given month, the store is the 12th most popular nationwide.
The vast majority of American adults own a vehicle and drive on a regular basis, and the high frequency of gas station visits helps Shell’s popularity. Not only that, but U.S. auto sales were at an all-time high at the end of 2015, and low gas prices have encouraged greater gas consumption in recent years.
11. The Home Depot (NYSE: HD)
> Pct. of consumers visiting in April: 18.8%
> Number of U.S. stores: 1,977
> Store category: Home improvement stores
The Home Depot’s financial success largely depends on the stability of the housing, residential construction, and home improvement markets. Based on Home Depot’s recent financial results, the housing market — or at least the home improvement market — is in full swing. The home improvement giant posted profits of more than $7 billion in its most recent fiscal year, up from $6.3 billion the previous year. Like most of the nation’s most popular stores, The Home Depot outspends most U.S. stores on advertising. The company spent $401.2 million on advertising in 2014, down by 11.5% from the previous year but still the 30th largest advertising expenditure nationwide.
Women are more likely than men to shop at the most popular stores. However, 54% of Home Depot visitors in a given month are men, one of the the few stores where men represent the majority of traffic.
10. Dollar Tree (NASDAQ: DLTR)
> Pct. of consumers visiting in April: 19.1%
> Number of U.S. stores: 13,626
> Store category: Variety stores
An estimated 19.1% of American consumers visit a Dollar Tree in a given month. Women make up 61.5% of those visitors, by far the most of any stores reviewed. Shim noted that the relatively gender-based popularity of Dollar Tree could suggest women are more value conscious. Or, since Dollar Tree products are frequently household staples, it suggests women perhaps more often shop for such items.
Dollar Tree completed its acquisition of former rival Family Dollar on July 6, 2015. As a result, the company’s store count jumped from 5,367 in its fiscal 2014 to 13,626 in fiscal 2015. Similarly, Dollar Tree’s 2015 net sales of $15.5 billion were 80% higher compared to its $8.6 billion in net sales the previous year.
9. Burger King
> Pct. of consumers visiting in April: 19.2%
> Number of stores: 15,003 (worldwide)
> Store category: Restaurants
Food is an everyday necessity and for many Americans, fast food restaurants provide a relatively cheap and reliable meal option. Burger King is one such restaurant, and with multiple locations in every state, it is one of the most popular stores in the country. In a given month, 19.2% of American consumers go to Burger King at least once, more than all but a handful of national chains. As is the case with many of the most popular stores in the country, Burger King spends a great deal on advertising. The company spent $237 million on marketing in 2014, which put it among the 75 biggest advertising spenders in the country.
24/7 Wall St.8. Taco Bell (NYSE: YUM)
> Pct. of consumers visiting in April: 19.3%
> Number of U.S. stores: 6,121
> Store category: Restaurants
Along with Pizza Hut and KFC, Taco Bell is a subsidiary of Yum! Brands. Domestically, Taco Bell is the most popular division of the company, attracting 19.3% of American consumers in a given month. Taco Bell’s relative popularity may not be surprising considering its advertising budget. Yum! Brands spent $356.6 million on Taco Bell marketing in 2014, over $100 million more than its marketing budgets for either Pizza Hut or KFC the same year. Among all American companies, Taco Bell ranks 35th for its advertising spending.
7. CVS (NYSE: CVS)
> Pct. of consumers visiting in April: 23.4%
> Number of U.S. stores: 9,655
> Store category: Drug stores
In December 2015, CVS acquired the pharmacy and clinic division of Target Corporation. With Target an even more popular store than CVS, the pharmacy chain may see increased popularity in the future. Of the 9,655 CVS locations in the United States, 1,672 are located within a Target shopping center. While most CVS stores offer a wide range of products typically found at convenience stores, CVS locations in Target stores only sell prescription drugs and certain over-the-counter medication.
CVS became in 2014 the first major franchise drug store to discontinue cigarette sales. While losing all of its tobacco customers in the process, the company sought to improve its popularity by promoting its focus on health.
6. Target (NYSE: TGT)
> Pct. of consumers visiting in April: 25.2%
> Number of U.S. stores: 1,792
> Store category: Variety stores
Target is one of the most frequented stores in the country. In a given month, slightly more than a quarter of American consumers visit a Target shopping center. The store’s popularity is partially attributable to its advertising budget. The company spent $667.9 million on advertising in fiscal 2015, enough to rank among the top advertising spenders in the country that year. With locations in every state in the country except for Vermont, many Americans have relatively easy access to a Target store.
Many of the most popular stores in the country sell everyday products such as food. Target broadened its appeal in 1995 when it opened its first SuperTarget, a Target store that includes a grocery department. Today, the majority of Target locations also sell groceries.
5. Walgreens (NASDAQ: WBA)
> Pct. of consumers visiting in April: 30.3%
> Number of U.S. stores: 8,309
> Store category: Drug stores
Just over 30% of all American consumers Walgreens drug store in a given month. Only 23.4% of American consumers visited CVS, the second most popular drug store. Despite its wider customer base, Walgreens reported $76.4 billion in net sales in its fiscal 2014, considerably less than the $139.4 billion CVS reported in its fiscal 2014. This likely means CVS customers are spending more than Walgreens customers. CVS relies more on costly drug sales at its pharmacies than Walgreens.
Walgreens has been closing stores in recent years. The company’s store count dropped by 273 locations between fiscal 2013 and fiscal 2014. The drugstore chain’s advertising budget, on the other hand, increased. The company spent $266.8 million on advertising in 2014, up from $239.4 million in 2013.
4. Starbucks (NASDAQ: SBUX)
> Pct. of consumers visiting in April: 31.2%
> Number of U.S. stores: 7,559
> Store category: Specialty eateries
The first Starbucks opened in Seattle in 1971, deriving its name from a character in Herman Melville’s novel “Moby Dick.” Since then, the chain has expanded rapidly, becoming the most popular coffee franchise in the country. In a given month, 31.2% of all Americans visit Starbucks, a larger share than all but a handful of other businesses. Like other stores offering food, the high frequency of visits to Starbucks helps increase unique foot traffic. The company also markets itself as a community gathering place, a venue for both meeting friends and conducting business. This may also further increase the frequency of visits. As of September, 2015, there were over 7,559 Starbucks locations in the United States.
3. Subway
> Pct. of consumers visiting in April: 34.0%
> Number of U.S. stores: 26,960
> Store category: Restaurants
Subway has 43,945 restaurants worldwide, and 26,960 in the United States, more than any other restaurant. The sandwich chain’s popularity rose dramatically over the past several decades. Approximately 34% of Americans visit a Subway in a given month, trailing just two other stores for foot traffic.
According to industry research firm IBISWorld, amid the growing obesity epidemic, Subway has been able to attract increasingly health-conscious customers. However, due in part to rapid growth from competitors such as Chipotle Mexican Grill, Firehouse Subs, and other build-your-own-meal fast food chains, Subway sales have floundered in recent years. The sub shop, owned by holding company Doctor’s Associates, increased its advertising budget by 3.7% from $513.6 million in 2013 to $532.6 million in 2014 — the 20th largest U.S. advertising expenditure of any company.
2. McDonald’s (NYSE: MCD)
> Pct. of consumers visiting in April: 49.8%
> Number of U.S. stores: 14,259
> Store category: Restaurants
Nearly half of American consumers visit McDonald’s in a given month, making the fast food chain the most visited restaurant in the United States and the second most popular store in the country. Nationwide sales at the burger chain have declined in recent years, falling from $27.4 billion in 2014 to $25.4 billion in 2015. While foot traffic may have declined at the same time, McDonald’s rank has not changed for several years. McDonald’s spends more on advertising than any other store on this list and more than all but three other U.S. companies. The fast food chain’s advertising budget was $935.1 million in 2014, down 4.2% from 2013, when the company spent $975.7 million.
1. Walmart (NYSE: WMT)
> Pct. of consumers visiting in April: 52.8%
> Number of U.S. stores: 4,574
> Store category: Variety stores
A majority of American consumers visit Walmart in a given month. Walmart is by far the largest retailer in the United States and the world. The retail giant reported net sales of $478.6 billion in 2015, down from $482.2 billion the year before but still a larger revenue than the GDP of most countries. While foot traffic may have declined and will fluctuate over the course of the year, Walmart’s position at the top of this list has been undisputed for many years. According to the company, nearly 260 million people visit its 11,500 worldwide stores every week. In the United States, no retailer is more popular. Walmart is the only store where more than half of American consumers visit at least once in a given month.
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