The American retail industry is fiercely competitive. Walmart and Target, the household names for in-store retail are synonymous with affordable shopping. Both have created a unique identity, differentiators, and place in the heart of US shoppers. But beneath the surface of their seemingly similar business models lies a tale of contrasting strategies, differing market approaches, and dominance pursuit.
This comprehensive research by LocationsCloud delves into the intricate web of store locations, and market penetration of Walmart and Target across the USA. The study unravels the number of store locations both these retail mammoths have to gain insights into competitive positioning. This analysis will help new retail entrants understand the current competition and identify growth opportunities or detect market saturation. This information is invaluable not only for the companies themselves but also for investors, competitors, and urban planners.
LocationsCloud’s in-depth research reveals store distribution patterns and market strategies of both retail giants Walmart and Target.
Key Findings of Our Research (Walmart Vs. Target)
- Walmart has a significantly larger presence with 4,606 stores than Target’s 1,975+ stores.
- Walmart ranks first and Target comes seventh in the list of top 100 leading retailers in the US as per stores with the highest number of stores in the USA and revenue data.
- Walmart’s store count is about 2.5 times that of Target.
- Both retailers have their highest store locations in populous states like California, Texas, Florida, Illinois, and New York.
- Walmart has the highest concentration of stores in Texas, with 517 locations (11.2% of total Walmart stores), while Target’s highest concentration is in California, with 211 stores (10.7% of total Target stores).
- Walmart has a minimal presence in The District of Columbia with three stores (0.07% of total stores) while Target has the least presence in Vermont with just 1 store (0.05% of the total).
- Walmart has a more even distribution across states. (presence in both urban and rural areas).
- Target appears to focus more on urban and suburban areas. (More stores in states with metropolitan areas).
- Walmart has a strong presence in Southern states, with high store counts in Texas, Florida, North Carolina, and Georgia.
- Target seems to prioritize coastal states and areas with high population density. It has more stores in California, New York, and New Jersey.
- Both retailers have limited presence in less populous states like Vermont, Alaska, and Wyoming.
Walmart: An Overview
Walmart, founded by Sam Walton in 1962, has evolved from a single discount store in Rogers, Arkansas, to become the world’s largest retailer. Walmart’s mission of saving people money so they can live better has guided its store location development.
Operating over 10,500 stores worldwide by 2025, Walmart has strategic locations in urban and rural areas. As of 31st October 2024, Walmart has 4606 retail stores across the USA. Of these, Walmart Supercenters constitute 3,559 stores and there are 355 Walmart discount stores. Neighborhood markets and small formats constitute 672 and 20 stores respectively.
Walmart competes with both traditional retailers and e-commerce companies like Amazon, Target, and Costco. The company serves millions of weekly shoppers in the USA.
Top 10 USA States with the Highest Number of Walmart Stores
Analyzing the Top 10 USA States with the Highest Number of Walmart Store Locations reveals interesting patterns in the retail giant’s distribution strategy. Texas tops the highest location of Walmart stores tag by a staggering 517 stores, representing 11.2% of Walmart’s total U.S. presence. This is followed by Florida and California, with 342 and 280 stores respectively.
The high number of stores in these crowded spread-out states shows Walmart’s aim to reach as many customers as possible. The list has Southern states like Georgia and Tennessee, plus Midwestern ones such as Illinois and Ohio. This proves Walmart appeals to people in different areas.
Walmart’s store locations also reveal how the company plans to serve both city and country markets. States like North Carolina Missouri, and Pennsylvania, which have big cities and rural areas, are in the top 10. This fits with Walmart’s goal to offer easy-to-reach and low-cost shopping to many types of people.
The fact that Missouri and Tennessee each have 137 Walmart stores even though they have fewer people than some other states on the list, shows how well Walmart has more penetration into rural areas.
Sr.No | State | Number of Stores | Percentage of total Stores |
1 | Texas | 517 stores | 11.2% of total Walmart stores in the USA |
2 | Florida | 342 stores | 7.4% |
3 | California | 280 stores | 6.1% |
4 | North Carolina | 192 Stores | 4.2% |
5 | Georgia | 190 stores | 4.1% |
6 | Illinois | 161 stores | 3.5% |
7 | Ohio | 146 stores | 3.2% |
8 | Missouri | 137 stores | 3.0% |
9 | Tennessee | 137 stores | 3.0% |
10 | Pennsylvania | 135 stores | 2.9% |
Target: An Overview
Target Corporation, founded in 1902 as Goodfellow Dry Goods, has grown into one of America’s largest discount retailers, expanding from a single Minneapolis store to a nationwide presence. Target’s journey began with its first store in 1962, reaching $1 billion in sales by 1979. The company’s culture centers on four values: customer service, individual respect, excellence, and integrity, which guide all operations. Target’s purpose is to help all families discover the joy of everyday life.
Target leads in creating inclusive, sustainable brands and experiences, with goals like sourcing 100% sustainable materials for owned brands by 2030. Operating over 1,975+ stores in the USA, Target plans 300 new locations in the next decade. Its formats range from Supercenters to urban stores, with locations serving as fulfillment hubs handling 96% of sales.
Target balances quality and affordability through owned brand development, circular design approach, sustainable packaging, etc. Target faces strong retail sector competition from Walmart, Amazon, Costco, Kroger, etc.
Top 10 USA States with the Highest Number of Target Stores
When we look at the Top 10 USA States with the Highest Number of Target store locations, we notice a different approach in action. California leads with 211 stores, which makes up 10.7% of Target’s total U.S. presence. This number is much higher than Texas, which comes in second with 96 stores. The big gap between California’s store count and the other states in the top 10 shows Target’s strong emphasis on this state with its large population.
It’s worth noting that while some states like Texas and Florida show up in both Walmart and Target’s top 10 lists, Target’s list includes states like New York and New Jersey, which don’t make it to Walmart’s top 10.
This distribution of stores shows Target likes urban and suburban markets in coastal states where lots of people live. Minnesota, Target’s home state is in the top 10 with 60 stores showing a strong local presence. This plan fits with Target’s brand image, which often appeals to a more urban, design-aware customer base compared to Walmart’s wider market approach.
Sr.No | State | Number of Stores | Percentage of total Stores |
1 | California | 211 stores | 10.7% of total Target stores in the USA |
2 | Texas | 96 stores | 4.9% |
3 | Florida | 85 stores | 4.3% |
4 | Illinois | 75 Stores | 3.8% |
5 | New York | 75 stores | 3.8 % |
6 | Minnesota | 60 stores | 3.1% |
7 | New Jersey | 52 stores | 2.6% |
8 | Ohio | 51 stores | 2.6% |
9 | Pennsylvania | 51 stores | 2.6% |
10 | Michigan | 50 stores | 2.5% |
Top 5 States with Least Walmart Stores
- District of Columbia: 3 stores (0.07%)
- Vermont: 6 stores (0.13% of total Walmart stores)
- Alaska: 9 stores (0.20%)
- Rhode Island: 9 stores (0.20%)
- Hawaii: 10 stores (0.22%)
Let’s take a look at the states with the lowest Walmart store numbers:
Washington D.C. has 3 stores, which is just 0.07% of all Walmart stores in the U.S. Next up is Vermont with 6 stores (0.13%). Alaska and Rhode Island are tied for third place, each with 9 stores (0.20%). Hawaii completes the list with 10 stores (0.22%).
This distribution pattern highlights Walmart’s challenges in penetrating certain markets, particularly in areas with smaller populations, unique geographic constraints, or distinct regulatory environments.
The inclusion of Alaska and Hawaii in this list highlights the tough logistics Walmart deals with to serve these states. Vermont’s few stores might stem from its countryside setting and sparse population, along with possible local pushback against big-box stores.
The District of Columbia’s small Walmart footprint could be because of city space limits and pricier operations in a packed urban area. Rhode Island’s tiny size explains its low store count, as the state needs fewer spots to cover it.
Top 5 States with Least Target Stores
- Vermont: 1 store (0.05% of total Target stores)
- Alaska: 2 stores (0.10%)
- Wyoming: 3 stores (0.15%)
- Rhode Island: 3 stores (0.15%)
- North Dakota: 4 stores (0.20%)
Let’s take a look at the states with the lowest Target store locations:
Vermont is at the top with 1 store, which makes up a tiny 0.05% of all Target stores in the U.S. Alaska comes next with 2 stores (0.10%). Wyoming and Rhode Island are tied for third place, each with 3 stores (0.15%), while North Dakota rounds out the list with 4 stores (0.20%).
This distribution of stores shows how Target chooses to focus on busier, city areas rather than states with low population count. Target’s list includes Wyoming and North Dakota, which don’t show up in Walmart’s bottom five.
This shows Target focuses more on cities. These states, with rural areas, don’t match up well with Target’s usual customer base, and therefore Target has the least presence in these states.
State-by-State Comparison of Walmart vs. Target
Let’s take a closer look at five key states to understand the differences in Walmart and Target’s presence:
Texas
- Walmart: 517 stores (11.2% of total Walmart stores)
- Target: 96 stores (4.9% of total Target stores)
Walmart has a strong presence in Texas, with over 5 times more stores than Target. This shows Walmart’s emphasis on the Southern market and its plan to serve both city and country folks. Texas being big and having different types of people, fits well with Walmart’s wide-reaching approach.
California
- Walmart: 280 stores (6.1% of total Walmart stores)
- Target: 211 stores (10.7% of total Target stores)
While Walmart has more stores overall, Target has a bigger share of its total stores in California. This hints that Target sees California as more important for its business because of the state’s large population many cities, and higher average incomes which might match better with Target’s main customers.
Florida
- Walmart: 342 stores (7.4% of total Walmart stores)
- Target: 85 stores (4.3% of total Target stores)
Walmart has a much bigger footprint in Florida than Target. This fits with Walmart’s good performance in the South and might be because of Florida’s mix of people, including city and country areas as well as many retirees who may like Walmart’s prices better.
New York
- Walmart: 98 stores (2.1% of total Walmart stores)
- Target: 75 stores (3.8% of total Target stores)
It’s worth noting that Target has a bit more of its stores in New York compared to Walmart when you look at the share of its total stores. This could be because Target aims for city and suburban areas, which matches New York’s population. Walmart’s lower store numbers might be due to things like pricier real estate and tougher local competition in cities.
Illinois
- Walmart: 161 stores (3.5% of total Walmart stores)
- Target: 75 stores (3.8% of total Target stores)
Walmart and Target both have a strong foothold in Illinois, with the state making up a similar number of their total stores. This means Illinois plays a key role for both retailers. The state’s blend of city life (Chicago area) and countryside could explain why both companies keep so many stores there serving different groups of people.
The study sheds light on how Walmart and Target differ in their store locations. Walmart has more stores than Target. Walmart covers a wide area, while Target focuses on city centers and states with substantial populations. Walmart rules the South and country areas with its Everyday Low Price plan, while Target aims for city areas.
Wrapping Up
LocationsCloud’s retail location datasets empower businesses with crucial insights into retail chain distribution and positioning. This data about Walmart and Target store locations enables informed decisions about store openings, distribution optimization, and market gap identification.