Miniso and 99 Ranch Market Lead US Retail Growth by Prioritising Lifestyle and Community
Listen to this article
In this article (7)
Asian-rooted retailers Miniso and 99 Ranch Market are achieving significant growth in the United States by focusing on lifestyle connections and fostering a sense of community. The 2026 NRF Hot 25 Retailers list, compiled by Kantar, ranks the nation’s fastest-growing retail companies based on year-over-year domestic sales, with both brands making a notable impact.
Miniso, a global lifestyle product retailer known for its affordable and aesthetically pleasing goods, secured the top spot at No. 1 on the list. 99 Ranch Market, an Asian supermarket chain, also featured prominently at No. 15. Their inclusion underscores a broader retail strategy: turning consumer lifestyle choices into deep-seated loyalty.
Building Loyalty Through Experience
According to Dave Marcotte, a senior vice president at Kantar, Miniso embodies the lifestyle approach in nearly all its operations. The brand’s ability to resonate with consumers on an emotional level, offering products that align with contemporary tastes and trends, is a key driver of its rapid expansion.
Similarly, 99 Ranch Market differentiates itself through its superior offerings. Marcotte highlights the supermarket’s produce, bakery, and prepared foods as being significantly ahead of traditional chain grocers. The presentation and quality of goods are compelling enough to convert first-time visitors into loyal customers, creating a strong emotional connection.
The Value Of Belonging In Retail
The NRF Hot 25 Retailers list emphasises that in an increasingly complex world, a sense of belonging is vital. Retailers that successfully provide this, alongside value and convenience, are seeing stronger customer loyalty. This trend extends beyond Asian-rooted brands, with convenience store chains like Casey’s General Stores (No. 13), QuikTrip (No. 20), and Wawa (No. 24) also making the list due to their strong community ties and distinctive offerings.
For retailers in Asia-Pacific, the success of Miniso and 99 Ranch Market offers valuable insights. Many Asian markets are already highly competitive, but these examples show that a clear focus on lifestyle integration and superior product quality can create a distinct market position and drive exponential growth. Brands across the region, from local startups to established players, are continually seeking ways to deepen consumer engagement and foster loyalty beyond just transactional interactions.
Questions & Answers
Q.What criteria does Kantar use to compile the NRF Hot 25 Retailers list?
What criteria does Kantar use to compile the NRF Hot 25 Retailers list?
The NRF Hot 25 Retailers list ranks the nation’s fastest-growing retail companies. It is compiled based on year-over-year domestic sales performance. This metric helps identify brands achieving significant growth.
Q.Beyond Miniso and 99 Ranch Market, which other retailers on the list demonstrate a focus on community and distinctive offerings?
Beyond Miniso and 99 Ranch Market, which other retailers on the list demonstrate a focus on community and distinctive offerings?
Convenience store chains like Casey’s General Stores (No. 13), QuikTrip (No. 20), and Wawa (No. 24) also featured. Their inclusion on the list is due to strong community ties and distinctive offerings.
Q.How does 99 Ranch Market differentiate itself from traditional chain grocers, according to Kantar's senior vice president?
How does 99 Ranch Market differentiate itself from traditional chain grocers, according to Kantar's senior vice president?
Dave Marcotte highlights the supermarket’s produce, bakery, and prepared foods as being significantly ahead. The presentation and quality of goods are compelling, converting first-time visitors into loyal customers.
Q.What key insight can retailers in Asia-Pacific take from the success of Miniso and 99 Ranch Market?
What key insight can retailers in Asia-Pacific take from the success of Miniso and 99 Ranch Market?
These examples show that a clear focus on lifestyle integration and superior product quality can create a distinct market position. This strategy can drive exponential growth even in highly competitive markets.