7 department store stocks to watch

The best department store stocks depend on your portfolio and investment goals—while volatility can be ideal for day traders, long-term investors will want to look to stocks with steadier gains over time.

7 popular department store stocks to watch

We round up a selection of stocks in or related to the retail industry, weighting the list more heavily towards popular mid- and large-cap stocks.

1. Kohls (KSS)
2. Dillards (DDS)
3. Macy’s (M)
4. Nordstrom (JWN)
5. Walmart (WMT)
6. Burlington Stores (BURL)
7. Target Corporation (TGT)

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The department store stocks industry is affected by a range of complex factors such as trade policies, regulations, and fluctuating supply and demand. So when considering department store stocks to buy, it's important that you have access to vital information about a company's financial health, leadership team, and market positioning.

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How to invest in department store stocks

1. Choose an online stock trading platform. Choose from our Top Picks above, use our comparison table below or jump straight to the best stock trading apps in Canada.
2. Sign up for an account. Provide your personal information and sign up.
3. Set up a funding method to pay for the transaction. Deposit funds into your account by linking your banking information.
4. Choose the stocks you want to buy. Search for the stock by name or ticker symbol like KSS or DDS.
5. Place your order. Buy the stock. It's that simple.

Learn more about popular department store stocks

We round up a selection of stocks in or related to the retail industry, weighting the list more heavily towards popular mid- and large-cap US stocks.

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1. Kohls (KSS)

Kohl's Corporation operates as an omnichannel retailer in the United States. It offers branded apparel, footwear, accessories, beauty, and home products through its stores and website. The company provides its products primarily under the brand names of Croft & Barrow, Jumping Beans, SO, Sonoma Goods for Life, and Tek Gear, as well as Food Network, LC Lauren Conrad, Nine West, and Simply Vera Vera Wang.

• Previous close price: $20.60
• Market capitalization: $2,338,662,144
• 1 year performance: -19.59%
• P/E ratio: 8.4798

Buy KSS stock on Interactive Brokers

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2. Dillards (DDS)

Dillard's, Inc. operates retail department stores in the southeastern, southwestern, and midwestern areas of the United States. The company's stores offer merchandise, including fashion apparel for women, men, and children; and accessories, cosmetics, home furnishings, and other consumer goods.

• Previous close price: $400.06
• Market capitalization: $6,407,766,016
• 1 year performance: 31.22%
• P/E ratio: 8.977

Buy DDS stock on Interactive Brokers

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3. Macy’s (M)

Macy's, Inc. , an omni-channel retail organization, operates stores, websites, and mobile applications in the United States. The company sells a range of merchandise, such as apparel and accessories for men, women, and kids; cosmetics; home furnishings; and other consumer goods under the Macy's, Bloomingdale's, and bluemercury brands.

• Previous close price: $16.55
• Market capitalization: $4,546,961,408
• 1 year performance: 2.94%
• P/E ratio: 548.3334

Buy M stock on Interactive Brokers

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4. Nordstrom (JWN)

Nordstrom, Inc. , a fashion retailer, provides apparels, shoes, beauty, accessories, and home goods for women, men, young adults, and children. It offers a range of brand-name and private-label merchandise through various channels, such as Nordstrom branded stores and online at Nordstrom.

• Previous close price: $22.03
• Market capitalization: $3,709,922,560
• 1 year performance: 7.01%
• P/E ratio: 12.2541

Buy JWN stock on Interactive Brokers

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5. Walmart (WMT)

Walmart Inc. engages in the operation of retail, wholesale, other units, and eCommerce worldwide. The company operates through three segments: Walmart U.

• Previous close price: $70.38
• Market capitalization: $569,080,479,744
• 1 year performance: -55.14%
• P/E ratio: 30.3648

Buy WMT stock on Interactive Brokers

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6. Burlington Stores (BURL)

Burlington Stores, Inc. operates as a retailer of branded merchandise in the United States. The company provides fashion-focused merchandise, including women's ready-to-wear apparel, menswear, youth apparel, footwear, accessories, toys, gifts, and coats, as well as baby, home, and beauty products.

• Previous close price: $252.25
• Market capitalization: $15,618,222,080
• 1 year performance: 47.11%
• P/E ratio: 41.1261

Buy BURL stock on Interactive Brokers

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7. Target Corporation (TGT)

Target Corporation operates as a general merchandise retailer in the United States. The company offers apparel for women, men, boys, girls, toddlers, and infants and newborns, as well as jewelry, accessories, and shoes; and beauty and personal care, baby gear, cleaning, paper products, and pet supplies. It also provides dry grocery, dairy, frozen food, beverages, candy, snacks, deli, bakery, meat, and food service; electronics, which includes video game hardware and software, toys, entertainment, sporting goods, and luggage; and furniture, lighting, storage, kitchenware, small appliances, home decor, bed and bath, home improvement, school/office supplies, greeting cards and party supplies, and other seasonal merchandise.

• Previous close price: $151.02
• Market capitalization: $70,362,456,064
• 1 year performance: 11.61%
• P/E ratio: 17.0696

Buy TGT stock on Interactive Brokers

Buy department store stocks from these online trading platforms

Compare special offers, low fees and a wide range of investment options among top trading platforms.

Note: The dollar amounts in the table below are in Canadian dollars.

Bottom line

While it's possible to turn a profit investing in department store stocks, keep in mind that—like any investment—department store stocks are not immune to risk. These stocks are subject to fluctuating conditions both in the market and in the retail industry, so carefully vet your picks before you invest. If you're new to investing or if it's been a while since you've taken a critical look at your investment accounts, compare brokers to make sure you're getting the best trading features for your needs.

Related: How to buy stocks in Canada

Disclaimer: This information should not be interpreted as an endorsement of futures, stocks, ETFs, options or any specific provider, service or offering. It should not be relied upon as investment advice or construed as providing recommendations of any kind. Futures, stocks, ETFs and options trading involves substantial risk of loss and therefore are not appropriate for all investors. Trading forex on leverage comes with a higher risk of losing money rapidly. Past performance is not an indication of future results. Consider your own circumstances, and obtain your own advice, before making any trades.