11 discount stores stocks to watch

The best discount stores 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.

11 popular discount stores 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. Big Lots (BIG)
2. Five Below (FIVE)
3. Dollar General Corporation (DG)
4. Dollar Tree (DLTR)
5. PriceSmart (PSMT)
6. Burlington Stores (BURL)
7. Grocery Outlet Holding (GO)
8. Walmart (WMT)
9. Costco Wholesale (COST)
10. Ross Stores (ROST)
11. Ollies Bargain Outlet Hldg (OLLI)

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The discount stores stocks industry is affected by a range of complex factors such as trade policies, regulations, and fluctuating supply and demand. So when considering discount stores 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 discount stores 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 BIG or FIVE.
5. Place your order. Buy the stock. It's that simple.

Learn more about popular discount stores 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. Big Lots (BIG)

Big Lots, Inc. , through its subsidiaries, operates as a home discount retailer in the United States. The company offers products under various merchandising categories, such as furniture category that includes upholstery, mattresses, home décor, case goods, and ready-to-assemble departments; seasonal category, which comprises patio furniture, gazebos, Christmas trim, lawn and garden, and other holiday departments; soft home category consists of apparel, hosiery, jewelry; frames, fashion and utility bedding, bath, window, decorative textiles, and area rugs departments; and food category that includes beverages and grocery, specialty foods, and candy and snacks departments.

• Previous close price: $0.00
• Market capitalization: $14,746,018
• 1 year performance: 7.02

Buy BIG stock on Interactive Brokers

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2. Five Below (FIVE)

Five Below, Inc. operates as a specialty value retailer in the United States. The company offers range of accessories, which includes novelty socks, sunglasses, jewelry, scarves, gloves, hair accessories, athletic tops and bottoms, and t-shirts, as well as nail polish, lip gloss, fragrance, and branded cosmetics; and personalized living space products, such as lamps, posters, frames, fleece blankets, plush items, pillows, candles, incense, lighting, novelty décor, accent furniture, and related items, as well as provides storage options.

• Previous close price: $107.75
• Market capitalization: $5,849,170,944
• 1 year performance: -44.56%
• P/E ratio: 22.0145

Buy FIVE stock on Interactive Brokers

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3. Dollar General Corporation (DG)

Dollar General Corporation, a discount retailer, provides various merchandise products in the southern, southwestern, midwestern, and eastern United States. It offers consumable products, including paper and cleaning products, such as paper towels, bath tissues, paper dinnerware, trash and storage bags, disinfectants, and laundry products; packaged food comprising cereals, pasta, canned soups, fruits and vegetables, condiments, spices, sugar, and flour; and perishables that include milk, eggs, bread, refrigerated and frozen food, beer, and wine. The company's consumable products also comprise snacks, such as candies, cookies, crackers, salty snacks, and carbonated beverages; health and beauty products, including over-the-counter medicines and personal care products, such as soaps, body washes, shampoos, cosmetics, and dental hygiene and foot care products; pet supplies and pet food; and tobacco products.

• Previous close price: $73.89
• Market capitalization: $16,701,180,928
• 1 year performance: -43.15%
• P/E ratio: 12.5314

Buy DG stock on Interactive Brokers

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4. Dollar Tree (DLTR)

Dollar Tree, Inc. operates retail discount stores. The company operates in two segments, Dollar Tree and Family Dollar.

• Previous close price: $69.06
• Market capitalization: $14,895,751,168
• 1 year performance: -47.21%

Buy DLTR stock on Interactive Brokers

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5. PriceSmart (PSMT)

PriceSmart, Inc. owns and operates U. S.

• Previous close price: $93.93
• Market capitalization: $2,879,333,120
• 1 year performance: 26.57%
• P/E ratio: 20.5317

Buy PSMT 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: $281.12
• Market capitalization: $17,923,225,600
• 1 year performance: 53.58%
• P/E ratio: 38.783

Buy BURL stock on Interactive Brokers

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7. Grocery Outlet Holding (GO)

Grocery Outlet Holding Corp. operates as a retailer of consumables and fresh products sold through independently operated stores in the United States. Its stores offer products in various categories, such as dairy and deli, produce, floral, fresh meat, seafood products, grocery, general merchandise, health and beauty care, frozen food, beer and wine, and ethnic products.

• Previous close price: $16.60
• Market capitalization: $1,606,636,160
• 1 year performance: -42.10%
• P/E ratio: 32.4314

Buy GO stock on Interactive Brokers

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8. 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: $93.40
• Market capitalization: $751,523,659,776
• 1 year performance: -38.85%
• P/E ratio: 38.657

Buy WMT stock on Interactive Brokers

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9. Costco Wholesale (COST)

Costco Wholesale Corporation, together with its subsidiaries, engages in the operation of membership warehouses in the United States, Puerto Rico, Canada, Mexico, Japan, the United Kingdom, Korea, Australia, Taiwan, China, Spain, France, Iceland, New Zealand, and Sweden. The company offers branded and private-label products in a range of merchandise categories. It offers merchandise, such as sundries, dry groceries, candies, coolers, freezers, deli, liquor, and tobacco; appliances, electronics, health and beauty aids, hardware, lawn and garden, sporting goods, tires, toys and seasonal products, office supplies, automotive care products, postages, tickets, apparel, small appliances, furniture, domestics, housewares, special order kiosks, and jewelry; and meat, produce, service deli, and bakery products.

• Previous close price: $954.80
• Market capitalization: $428,288,606,208
• 1 year performance: 44.93%
• P/E ratio: 56.8163

Buy COST stock on Interactive Brokers

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10. Ross Stores (ROST)

Ross Stores, Inc. , together with its subsidiaries, operates off-price retail apparel and home fashion stores under the Ross Dress for Less and dd's DISCOUNTS brand names in the United States. Its stores primarily offer apparel, accessories, footwear, and home fashions.

• Previous close price: $147.79
• Market capitalization: $49,027,448,832
• 1 year performance: 10.34%
• P/E ratio: 23.4385

Buy ROST stock on Interactive Brokers

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11. Ollies Bargain Outlet Hldg (OLLI)

Ollie's Bargain Outlet Holdings, Inc. operates as a retailer of brand name merchandise in the United States. The company offers housewares, bed and bath, food, floor coverings, health and beauty aids, books and stationery, toys, and electronics; and other products, including hardware, candy, clothing, sporting goods, pet and lawn, and garden products.

• Previous close price: $117.63
• Market capitalization: $7,015,591,936
• 1 year performance: 71.02%
• P/E ratio: 34.1761

Buy OLLI stock on Interactive Brokers

Buy discount stores stocks from these online trading platforms

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

Finder Score for stock trading platforms

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Related: Compare the best stock trading platforms in Canada

Bottom line

While it's possible to turn a profit investing in discount stores stocks, keep in mind that—like any investment—discount stores 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.