Economic pressures, changing consumer behavior and rapid e-commerce growth have significantly shaped retail in 2024.

With rising inflation and economic uncertainty, consumers are more cautious about their spending these days. But while some popular chains have fallen victim to bankruptcies and closures, other retailers have successfully overcome these challenges and achieved remarkable sales levels.

According to the latest rankings from the National Retail Federation (NRF) and marketing firm Kantar, companies like Amazon (AMZN), Costco (COST) and Walmart (WMT) have adapted effectively by reaching customers both in-store and online. Their extensive offerings, including food and household items, have played a crucial role in their resilience.

Here are the top-grossing U.S. retailers in 2024, including some of their most notable moments.

Total sales 2024: $117.77 billion

Notable moments:In December, reports surfaced that the pharmacy giant was in talks to sell its business to private equity firm Sycamore Partners.

Still, Walgreens (WBA) announced in October that it planned to close 1,200 stores to stem its $3 billion quarterly loss. The drugstore titan is among the top retailers that have closed the most locations this year.

Total sales 2024: $151.57 billion

Notable moments: In October, Home Depot announced it would require its corporate employees to work eight-hour retail shifts at one of its stores every three months. In August, the company said high interest rates were forcing buyers to pause on home improvement projects.

Total sales 2024: $234.02 billion

Notable moments: Meanwhile, Costco’s unique membership model and “treasure hunt” shopping experience continue to attract loyal customers. The retailer is struggling to maintain its diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) programs as major companies scale back their initiatives. A conservative think tank is calling on the company to scrap policies because they pose discriminatory and financial risks.

Meanwhile, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued an updated warning in December regarding thousands of recalled organic eggs sold at Costco, upgrading the threat to the highest risk level. In November, the retailer recalled 80,000 pounds of its own-label butter brand due to a lack of an allergy declaration.

Total sales 2024: $355.11 billion

Notable moments: Amazon is thriving with its fast delivery and extensive product selection, cementing its dominance in online retail. But in December, Amazon workers at seven facilities went on strike just before the busy holiday shopping season. The strike ended on December 24 when Amazon union workers vowed to keep fighting. Earlier this month, the company announced it was postponing plans to allow its employees to work in the office five days a week due to a lack of space.

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Total sales 2024: $628.56 billion

Notable moments:Walmart’s breakout year can be attributed in part to its broad selection of items that appealed to consumers of all income levels.

In December, the US sued Walmart over $10 million in fees charged to delivery drivers. The Walton family, the richest in the United States, said it would hand more control to the next generation. That same month, the retail giant announced it would equip its employees with body cameras to prevent theft.

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