WASHINGTON – A new National Retail Federation (NRF) study suggests that smaller retailers represent today’s fastest-growing companies.

Results of the survey were used to compile the association’s “Hot 100 Retailers” list, as published in the August issue of Stores magazine, to provide “a definitive ranking of the nation’s fastest-growing companies,” according to a press release.

In the convenience retailing channel, NRF lists Sanford, North Carolina-based The Pantry 12th on its Hot 100 list, with earnings that grew more than 267 percent from about $15.7 million in 2004 to almost $58 million in 2005.

“Revenue is frequently a reliable gauge of customer support, while profit is an indicator of how well the store is run,” said Stores Publisher and NRF Vice President Rick Gallagher, adding, “Investors will tell you that smaller companies often have greater potential for growth, and that is certainly reflected throughout the Hot 100. We think the list represents a fresh approach to identifying the retail companies to watch.” 

Click here to read more about the NRF “Hot 100 Retailers” list appearing in the August issue of Stores magazine.