Top clothing/shoe/accessory stores and fashion companies such as LVMH, Nike, Hermѐs, and Christian Dior, all provide office clothings, shoes and accessories. These companies make up the fashion design retail industry which is one of the biggest in the world. It drives a significant part of the global economy.
Overview Of The Clothing/Shoe/Accessory Stores Market
The global revenue for clothing, shoe and accessory stores market is estimated between $1.7 trillion and $2.5 trillion according to research reports by Euromonitor and McKinsey. If the Fashion Industry were ranked alongside individual countries’ GDP, it would represent the seventh-largest economy in the world. This makes the fashion industry one of the key value-creating industries for the world economy.
Clothing is one of the most essential aspects of personal style and self-expression. The clothing, shoe, and accessory market offer a wide range of options for personal style and self-expression.
For example, there is a growing demand for sustainable and environmentally-friendly clothing and luxury goods. Consumers are becoming more conscious of the impact their purchases have on the environment. Brands are responding to this trend by offering eco-friendly and ethically produced clothing/shoe/accessory options. This gives consumers the opportunity to express their values and individuality through their fashion choices.
The clothing/shoe/accessory market is a vast and dynamic industry that has seen significant growth in recent years. With the rise of e-commerce and online shopping, the market is constantly evolving, with new trends and styles seasonally. Overall, the industry continues to grow, driven by a desire for self-expression through fashion, and increasing consumer demand.
Types of Companies in Clothing/Shoe/Accessory Stores
There are several types of companies that operate in the clothing, shoe, and accessory store industry, including:
Retail Chains
Department Stores
Boutiques
Online Retailers
Designer Brands
Thrift and Second-Hand Stores
Retail Chains
Retail Chains offer a wide range of products and luxury goods. These include clothing, shoes, and accessories.
They are large companies that operate many stores across a region or even globally. Examples of retail chains are Zara, H&M, and Foot Locker.
Department Stores
Department Stores are multi-level stores that offer a variety of products and luxury goods. These include clothing, shoes, and accessories.
They often sell products from different brands, offering customers a wider range of options when buying. Examples include Macy’s, Nordstrom, and Sears.
Boutiques
Boutiques are smaller, specialty stores that offer a curated selection of clothing, shoes, and accessories. These products they sell are often from lesser-known or up-and-coming designers.
They sell products from different brands. This means a customer has a wider range of options when buying from a boutique.
Online Retailers
Online Retailers sell clothing, shoes, and accessories primarily through e-commerce websites. They often offer a wide range of products and the convenience of shopping from home. Examples of online retailers are Amazon, ASOS, and Zappos.
Designer Brands
Designer Brands design and manufacture high-end clothing, shoes, and accessories. They often sell these products through their own branded stores or through luxury goods department stores. Examples include Chanel, Gucci, and Louis Vuitton.
Thrift And Second-Hand Stores
Thrift and second-hand stores specialize in selling fairly-used or vintage clothing, shoes, and accessories. These items often cost a fraction of the cost of new items. Examples of thrift and second-hand stores are Goodwill and The Salvation Army.
Top 20 Companies in Clothing/Shoe/Accessory Stores
These are 20 of the top companies in the clothing, shoe, and accessory stores based on revenue and market share:
Amazon
Size: 1,468,000 employees.
Amazon was established in 1994 and has its headquarters in Seattle, Washington, USA. The founder and CEO of Amazon is Jeff Bezos. Amazon’s current market capitalization is approximately $1.7 trillion.
Amazon offers a wide range of products and services. These include online retail, and Amazon Prime, a subscription-based service for fast and free shipping, access to streaming of movies. They also offer Cloud Computing (Amazon Web Services), and Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning services through SageMaker and Lex.
It is estimated that Amazon has over 200 million active customers worldwide. The exact number of outlets is not publicly disclosed. Amazon operates in multiple fulfillment centers and retail locations in countries like the United States, United Kingdom, Germany, Japan, etc.
LVMH (Louis Vuitton, Dior, Celine, etc.)
Size:150,000 employees.
LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton SE, commonly referred to as LVMH, is a French multinational luxury goods conglomerate. The company was established in 1987 through a merger between Louis Vuitton and Moët Hennessy. LVMH has its headquarters in Paris, France. The founder of LVMH was Bernard Arnault, and the current CEO is Bernard Arnault.
LVMH’s current market capitalization is approximately €368 billion ($394 billion).
LVMH offers a wide range of services and luxury goods. These include fashion and leather goods, perfumes and cosmetics, watches and jewelry, and wines and spirits. They also have well-known fashion brands, including Louis Vuitton, Dior, Celine, Fendi, Bulgari, and Kenzo, among others.
LVMH serves millions of customers worldwide. As of 2021, the company operates over 3,000 stores in France, the US, Japan, China, the UK, etc.
Walmart
Size: 2,300,000 employees.
Walmart was established in 1962. It has its headquarters in Bentonville, Arkansas, USA. The founder of Walmart was Sam Walton, and the current CEO is Doug McMillon. Walmart’s current market capitalization is approximately $365 billion.
Walmart offers a wide range of products and services, including retail, grocery, pharmacy, financial services, and e-commerce.
Walmart serves millions of customers worldwide. As of 2021, the company operates over 11,000 retail locations in 27 countries, including the United States, Canada, Mexico, etc.
Nike
Size: 75,400 employees
Nike, Inc. is an American multinational corporation. The company was established in 1964 and has its headquarters in Beaverton, Oregon, USA. The co-founders of Nike are Phil Knight and Bill Bowerman, and the current CEO is John Donahoe. Nike’s current market capitalization is approximately $165 billion.
Nike engages in the design, development, manufacturing, worldwide marketing and sales of footwear, apparel, equipment, accessories, and services. Their online store allows customers to purchase its products from anywhere in the world. They also offer services like personal training, running clubs, and access to exclusive products through its loyalty program, NikePlus.
Nike serves millions of customers worldwide and as of 2021, the company operates over 1,100 retail stores in various countries, including the United States, United Kingdom, China, Japan, France, Germany, and more.
Inditex (Zara)
Size: 162,450 employees.
Inditex, commonly known as Zara, is a Spanish multinational clothing and accessories retailer. The company was established in 1975 and has its headquarters in Arteixo, Galicia, Spain. The founder of Inditex was Amancio Ortega, and the current CEO is Pablo Isla. Inditex’s current market capitalization is approximately €96 billion (approximately $103 billion).
Inditex offers a wide range of clothing and accessories products through its various brands, including Zara, Pull & Bear, Massimo Dutti, Bershka, Stradivarius, and more. The company operates on a fast-fashion business model, which allows it to quickly respond to changing consumer trends and preferences.
Inditex also operates an online store, which allows customers to shop its products from anywhere in the world. Inditex serves millions of customers worldwide and as of 2021, the company operates over 7,000 stores in 96 countries.
Target
Size: 409,000 employees.
Target Corporation was established in 1962 with its headquarters in Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States. Target’s interim CEO is John Mulligan, while its former CEO is Brian Cornell. Its current market capitalization is around $85 billion.
Target offers a wide range of products, including groceries, clothing, electronics, home goods, and more. They also offer services like Target Pharmacy, Target Optical, and Target Photo.
Target serves millions of customers each year through its physical stores and online platform. They operate over 1,900 stores in the US and plan to expand its presence in different countries in the future.
Adidas
Size: 57,016 employees.
Adidas AG is a German multinational corporation for the design and manufacturing of athletic and casual footwear, apparel, and accessories. The company was established in 1949 and has its headquarters in Herzogenaurach, Germany. The founder of Adidas was Adolf Dassler, and the current CEO is Kasper Rørsted.
Adidas’s current market capitalization is €73 billion (approximately $78 billion). Adidas offers a wide range of products and services, including footwear, apparel, accessories and e-commerce services. Their services include providing custom products through its “mi adidas” program. They offer a range of services to athletes, including personal training, performance analysis, through its loyalty program, “Adidas Creators Club”.
Adidas serves millions of customers worldwide and as of 2021, the company operates over 2,000 retail stores in various countries, including the United States, United Kingdom, China, Japan, France, Germany, and more.
Fast Retailing (Uniqlo)
Size: 52,839 employees.
Fast Retailing Co., Ltd., also known as Uniqlo, was established in 1984. The headquarters of the company is located in Tokyo, Japan. The founder and current CEO of the company is Tadashi Yanai. The current market capitalization is approximately JPY6.4 trillion (approximately $59.4 billion).
Uniqlo is a clothing retailer that offers a wide range of clothing products. These include casual wear, outerwear, and accessories for men, women, and children.
Uniqlo has over 2,000 stores in 19 countries, including Japan, the United States, China, and the United Kingdom, among others. The company serves millions of customers worldwide.
Kering (Gucci, Yves Saint Laurent, etc.)
Size: 38,000 employees.
Kering is a French multinational holding company specializing in luxury goods. The company was established in 1963 and has its headquarters in Paris, France. The founder of Kering is François Pinault, and the current CEO is François-Henri Pinault. Kering’s current market capitalization is approximately €42 billion ($45 billion).
Kering offers a wide range of services and luxury goods, including clothing, leather goods, jewelry and watches, and accessories. Also, the company operates well-known fashion brands, including Gucci, Yves Saint Laurent, Balenciaga, Alexander McQueen, Boucheron, and Bottega Veneta.
Kering serves millions of customers worldwide. As of 2021, the company operates over 2,000 stores in France, the US, Japan, China, the United Kingdom, and more.
10. H&M
Size: 155,000 employees.
H&M, also known as Hennes & Mauritz AB, is a Swedish multinational retail-clothing company. The company was established in 1947 and has its headquarters in Stockholm, Sweden. The founder of H&M was Erling Persson, and the current CEO is Helena Helmersson. H&M’s current market capitalization is approximately SEK 316 billion ($30 billion).
H&M offers a wide range of clothing and accessories products for men, women, teenagers, and children. H&M also operates an online store, which allows customers to shop its products from anywhere in the world.
In addition to its own brand, H&M also operates other fashion brands, including COS, & Other Stories, Weekday, and Arket.
H&M serves millions of customers worldwide and as of 2021, the company operates over 5,000 stores in 74 countries.
VF Corp (The North Face, Timberland, etc.)
Size: 50,000 employees.
VF Corporation is an American multinational corporation for the design, production, and marketing/distribution of branded lifestyle apparel, footwear, and accessories. The company was established in 1899 and has its headquarters in Denver, Colorado, United States. The founder of VF Corporation is John Barbey and the current CEO is Steve Rendle. VF Corporation’s current market capitalization is approximately $30 billion.
VF Corporation offers a wide range of products and services like action sports footwear, apparel, and outdoor equipment and accessories. They also operate various brands, including The North Face, Timberland, Vans, Wrangler, and Lee, among others.
VF Corporation serves millions of customers worldwide. As of 2021, the company operates over 200 outlets in various countries, including the US, Europe, Asia, and South America.
12. Michael Kors
Size: 14,846 employees.
Michael Kors is an American luxury fashion company established in 1981. The headquarters of the company is in New York City, United States. The founder and CEO of Michael Kors is John D. Idol. Michael Kors’ current market capitalization is approximately $13 billion.
Michael Kors offers a range of products and services, including clothing, footwear, accessories, and fragrances for men and women. The company’s products are sold through channels like Michael Kors retail stores, department stores, specialty stores, and e-commerce.
The company serves millions of customers worldwide. As of 2021, Michael Kors operates over 500 retail stores in the US, Europe, Asia, the Middle East, etc.
13. PVH Corp (Calvin Klein, Tommy Hilfiger, etc.)
Size: 21,500 employees.
PVH Corp, also known as Phillips-Van Heusen Corporation, is an American multinational clothing company. The company was established in 1881 and has its headquarters in New York, United States. The founder of PVH Corp is unknown, but the current CEO is Stefan Larsson. PVH Corp’s current market capitalization is approximately $11 billion.
PVH Corp offers a wide range of clothing and fashion products, including sportswear, dress shirts, neckwear, footwear, and accessories. The company operates well-known fashion brands, including Calvin Klein, Tommy Hilfiger, Van Heusen, IZOD, Arrow, and Warner’s, among others.
PVH Corp serves millions of customers worldwide. As of 2021, the company operates over 7,000 stores in the US, Canada, Europe, Asia, and more.
14. Tapestry (Coach, Kate Spade, etc.)
Size: 20,800 employees.
Tapestry, Inc. is an American luxury fashion accessories and lifestyle brands multinational corporation. The company was established in 2017, as a result of the merger of Coach, Inc. and Kate Spade & Company. Its headquarters is in New York City, United States. The current CEO of Tapestry is Jide Zeitlin. Tapestry’s current market capitalization is approximately $11 billion.
Tapestry offers a range of products and services through its various brands, including Coach, Kate Spade, and Stuart Weitzman. The company’s products include handbags, wallets, shoes, jewelry, and other fashion accessories.
Tapestry serves millions of customers worldwide. As of 2021, the company operates over 500 outlets in various countries, including the US, Europe, Asia, and South America.
15. Ralph Lauren
Size: 18,250 employees.
Ralph Lauren is an American luxury fashion company that was established in 1967. The headquarters of the company is in New York, United States. The founder and current CEO of the company is Ralph Lauren. The company’s current market capitalization is approximately $11 billion.
Ralph Lauren offers a wide range of luxury products, including clothing, accessories, fragrances, home furnishings, and other lifestyle products.
The company serves millions of customers across the world through its retail stores, online platform, and wholesale channels. The company operates stores in more than 110 countries and has a significant presence in North America, Europe, and Asia. It is estimated that the company has more than 500 retail stores across the world.
16. DICK’S Sporting Goods, Inc.
Size: 50,100 employees.
DICK’S Sporting Goods, Inc. is an American sporting goods retail company, founded in 1948 by Richard “Dick” Stack. Its headquarters is in Coraopolis, Pennsylvania, United States. The company’s market capitalization of is valued at $10.47 billion.
The company offers a wide range of products for various sports and outdoor activities, including clothing, footwear, and equipment. The company also operates an e-commerce platform where customers can purchase products online.
They are also the parent company of subsidiaries like Greg Norman Collection, The Sports Authority, True Fitness and Golfsmith, etc. The company operates over 700 stores across the US.
17. Nordstrom
Size: 62,000 employees.
Nordstrom is an American luxury department store chain that was established in 1901. Its headquarters is in Seattle, Washington, USA. Its co-founders/CEOs are John W. Nordstrom and Carl F. Wallin. Nordstrom’s current market capitalization is approximately $9.71 billion.
Nordstrom offers a range of luxury products, including clothing, shoes, handbags, jewelry, beauty products, and home goods. Nordstrom has a significant number of customers, with over 100 million customers shopping in their stores and online each year. They have 354 stores in 40 states in the United States, as well as an online store.
18. Columbia Sportswear Company
Size: 8,900 employees.
Columbia Sportswear Company is a multinational corporation that specializes in outdoor apparel, footwear, and equipment. It was established in 1938 and has its headquarters in Portland, Oregon, USA. It was founded by Paul and Marie Boyle, and the current CEO and President is their son Tim Boyle. The current market capitalization is approximately $7.6 billion.
Columbia Sportswear Company offers products including jackets, fleeces, pants, shirts, footwear, hats, gloves, and accessories for outdoor activities. The company serves a large number of customers worldwide, operating over 130 retail stores in the United States. They have a strong presence in many other countries through partnerships with retailers and distributors. The company has a global retail network in over 60 countries.
19. Macy’s
Size: 130,000 employees.
Macy’s is an American department store chain that was established in 1858. Its headquarters is in New York City, the US. The current CEO of Macy’s is Jeff Gennette. The current market capitalization of Macy’s is approximately $7.01 billion.
Macy’s offers a wide range of products and services including clothing, accessories, beauty products, home goods, and more. Macy’s has a strong online presence. Its website and mobile app offers customers the ability to shop online and pick up their purchases in store.
The company offers a variety of services, including personal styling, wedding registry, and furniture delivery. Macy’s operates over 675 stores in 44 out of the 50 states in the United States, serving millions of customers.
20. Foot Locker
Size: 32,175 employees.
Foot Locker is an American multinational footwear and sportswear retailer. The company was established in 1974 and has its headquarters in New York, United States. The founder of Foot Locker is F. W. Woolworth, and the current CEO is Dick Johnson. Foot Locker’s current market capitalization is approximately $7 billion.
Foot Locker offers a wide range of footwear and sportswear products, including athletic shoes, apparel, and accessories. The company operates well-known retail chains, including Foot Locker, Lady Foot Locker, Kids Foot Locker, Champs Sports, and Footaction, etc.
Foot Locker serves millions of customers worldwide. As of 2021, the company operates over 3,000 stores in the United States, Canada, Europe, Australia, and New Zealand, etc.
The top 20 companies in clothing/shoe/accessory stores are summarized in the table below:
The five key sectors of the fashion industry include:
Textile and Fabric Production
The textile and fabric production sector involves the production of raw materials like fibers, yarns, and fabrics used to create clothing, footwear, and accessories.
2. Apparel and Accessories Manufacturing
The apparel and accessories manufacturing sector involves the production of finished clothing and accessories, including designing, cutting, sewing, and assembling.
3. Retail and Wholesale
Retail and wholesale involve the sale of finished products to customers, either through brick-and-mortar stores or online platforms. Retailers can be independent or part of larger chain stores, and wholesalers sell goods to retailers in bulk.
4. Fashion Design and Marketing
Fashion design and marketing sector involves the creation of fashion collections, including design, trend research, and marketing strategies.
5. Fashion and Beauty Services
The fashion and beauty services sector includes services such as styling, makeup, hair, and personal shopping.
How to Get a Job Offer from Companies in Clothing/Shoe/Accessory Stores
Here are five key steps to get a job offer from hiring companies in clothing, shoe and accessory stores.
Research Companies
Make a list of the companies you would like to work for, and research their values, and what they offer. This will give you an idea of whether the company is a good fit for you.
Network
Attend events, join online forums, or reach out to people in the industry to understand the job market and opportunities. You can also connect with people who work in the companies you are interested in. LinkedIn is an ideal professional platform for that purpose.
Build Your Resume and Portfolio
Tailor your resume and portfolio to highlight your skills and experience that are relevant to the fashion industry. Be sure to highlight any experience you have in sales, customer service, or fashion retail.
Apply for Relevant Jobs
Use job boards, company websites, and other resources to find open positions in the clothing, shoe, and accessory stores. Be sure to read the job description carefully and tailor your application to meet the requirements.
Prepare for the Interview
Research the company, its culture, and the interview process. Prepare answers to common interview questions and have examples of your relevant experience ready. Be sure to ask thoughtful questions about the company and the role you are applying for.
Remember, getting a job offer from a company in the clothing, shoe, and accessory stores requires persistence and patience. Keep networking, building your skills and experience, and applying for relevant positions.
What Do Companies in the Clothing/Shoe/Accessory Stores Field look for When Hiring?
Customer Service Skills
Companies in this industry place a strong emphasis on customer service. This is because sales associates are often the face of the company and interact with customers on a daily basis. Companies look for applicants who are friendly, knowledgeable, and able to provide excellent customer service.
Sales Ability
Sales associates are responsible for helping customers find products they need, offering product recommendations, and closing sales. Companies want to see that applicants have strong sales skills and a proven track record of meeting or exceeding sales targets.
Product Knowledge
Companies want employees who are knowledgeable about the products they are selling, including details about materials, sizing, and fit.
Fashion Sense
Many companies in the clothing, shoe, and accessory stores industry require employees to have a keen sense of fashion. This involves the ability to put together outfits and recommend products that are stylish and appropriate for different occasions.
Flexibility
The retail industry often requires employees to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends. Companies look for applicants who can work a flexible schedule and who are able to adapt to changing demands.
Teamwork Ability
Retail environments are fast-paced and dynamic, and employees are expected to work well as part of a team. Companies want applicants who are able to work well with others and who can collaborate effectively to achieve common goals.
How many clothing companies are there?
There are currently over 10,000 clothing companies globally, ranging from small boutiques to large multinational corporations.
However, it is difficult to determine the exact number of clothing companies worldwide as the fashion industry is constantly evolving and new companies are emerging every day.
What are examples of clothing/shoe/accessory stores?
Examples of clothing shoe accessory stores include Foot Locker, Zara, H&M, Adidas, Nike, and more.
What is the biggest fashion brand?
Some of the biggest and well-known fashion brands include: LVMH (Louis Vuitton, Dior, Celine, etc.), Kering (Gucci, Yves Saint Laurent, etc.), PVH Corp (Calvin Klein, Tommy Hilfiger, etc.) and more.
However, determining the biggest fashion brand depends on various factors such as revenue, brand value, and popularity.
What are the main clothing companies?
There are many clothing companies, but some of the main ones include: H&M, Zara, Nike, Adidas and Uniqlo, PVH Corp, and VF Corporation.
These companies design, manufacture, and sell a wide range of clothing, footwear, and accessories for men, women, and children. They have a global presence, with stores and online operations in many countries around the world.
What is the most successful clothing company?
Some of the most successful clothing companies in the world include H&M, Zara, Nike, Adidas, and Uniqlo, but there are many other well-established and successful companies in the industry as well.
However, it may be difficult to definitively say which clothing company is the most successful as it depends on people’s definition of success.
Some consider success in terms of revenue, while others consider it in terms of brand recognition, customer loyalty, or innovation.
Conclusion: What Companies are in the Clothing/Shoe/Accessory Stores Field? | Top 20 Companies
The top companies in the clothing/shoe/accessory field are Amazon, LVMH, Walmart, Nike, Inditex, Target, Adidas,. Fast Retail Co., Kering, H&M, VF Corp, Michael Kors, PVH Corp, Tapestry, Ralph Lauren, Dick’s Sportswear Company, Nordstrom, Columbia Sportswear Company, Macy’s and Foot Locker.
However, this is not an exhaustive list, as there are many other companies operating in this field.
