DLTR — Dollar Tree, Inc.

Walmart is the world's largest retailer by revenue, operating over 10,500 stores and clubs globally. The company has been aggressively growing its e-commerce and advertising businesses while maintaining its core position as the low-price leader in groceries and general merchandise.

Target is one of the largest U.S. general merchandise retailers, operating over 1,900 stores combining grocery, apparel, home goods, electronics, and owned private-label brands like Good & Gather, Cat & Jack, and Up & Up. Target's differentiated store-within-a-store model for Apple and Ulta Beauty drives high-frequency traffic. The company has invested heavily in same-day delivery, in-store pickup, and Drive Up, making it a leader in retail omnichannel fulfillment. Target suffered significant inventory and margin challenges in 2022-2023 from overstocking discretionary goods.

Dollar General is the largest dollar store chain in the United States by store count with over 19,000 locations, primarily serving small and rural communities that lack convenient access to large supermarkets or discount retailers. The company's stores are small (typically 9,000 sq ft) and stocked primarily with consumable goods including food, health and beauty products, cleaning supplies, and seasonal merchandise at low price points. Dollar General has been expanding into fresh produce and DG Market format to capture more grocery spending.

Ross Stores is the largest off-price apparel and home fashion retailer in the United States, operating over 1,700 Ross Dress for Less and 340 dd's DISCOUNTS stores. Ross buys brand-name merchandise at significant discounts from department stores, manufacturers, and branded vendors, then sells it to consumers at 20-60% below regular retail prices. The off-price model thrives in all economic environments — strong in recessions (value-seeking) and strong in booms (treasure-hunt appeal). Ross does not operate e-commerce, which keeps costs low and drives in-store traffic.