In today’s rapidly shifting retail landscape, the discount retail segment continues to play a significant role in the shopping behavior of American consumers. One standout name in this category is the 99 Cents Only Stores. Known for offering a wide variety of products at incredibly low prices, these stores cater to a cost-conscious audience while offering convenience and value. But just how many 99 Cents Stores are operating across the United States in 2025? In this detailed analysis, we will explore the growth, geographical spread, and business impact of 99 Cents Only Stores — and why understanding their footprint is crucial for businesses, real estate investors, and retailers alike.

Related: Learn more about how location data shapes retail success

How Many 99 Cent Stores Are There in the United States?

As of 2025, there are 375 99 Cents Only Stores operating across the United States, underscoring the brand’s resilience amid shifting macroeconomic conditions, ongoing supply chain challenges, and intense competition within the discount retail sector. This current store count reflects a deliberate strategy of market consolidation, emphasizing performance optimization by focusing on high-revenue regions while gradually exiting underperforming zones. Rather than pursuing rapid, unchecked growth, this pivot signals a sustainability-driven model prioritizing long-term operational efficiency and customer value delivery. Despite closures in select areas, 99 Cents Only Stores continue to draw notable consumer foot traffic, especially in urban and suburban markets where cost-of-living constraints intensify the demand for affordable grocery and household essentials.

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Top 4 States with the Most 99 Cent Store

Insights from the Top 4 States:

• California dominates with 63% of all locations — strong urban density fuels store success.
• Texas shows potential for future growth with relatively low per-capita store density.
• Arizona reflects suburban migration trends favoring value retail options.
• Nevada maintains the highest store accessibility per capita, especially around Las Vegas.

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Top 10 Cities with the Most 99 Cent Stores

Insights from the Top 10 Cities:

• Houston leads urban markets with 18 locations.
• Las Vegas leverages tourism plus residential growth.
• Arizona cities (Phoenix, Mesa, Tucson) represent strong suburban discount retail opportunities.
• California urban zones (Los Angeles, San Diego, Sacramento) remain vital.

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Analyzing 99 Cents Only Stores' US Growth Trajectory

Shifting Market Strategies: Quality Over Quantity

The 99 Cents Only Stores have shifted their strategy in 2025 from sheer expansion to sustainable market presence.
Today, the brand emphasizes:

• High-performing location optimization,
• Broader inventory diversification,
• Strategic closure of low-performing stores.

According to IBISWorld’s 2025 data, the discount retail sector is growing at 2.5% annually, led by value-seeking consumers.

Geographic Expansion: New Growth Frontiers

Emerging areas:

Future focus on southeast and midwest states offers an excellent growth pipeline.

Key 2025 Metrics

Investor Insights: 99 Cent Store's 2025 Vision

Why 2025 Is a Turning Point

Investors should note:

• Focus on per-location profitability,
• Greater lease efficiency,
• Entry into new suburban power markets.

According to Retail Dive's 2025 analysis, private label expansion in discount retail is increasing margins by 10–15%.

Opportunities and Risks

Opportunities:

• Capturing new suburban markets,
• Strengthening grocery and home essentials segments,
• Building loyalty in cost-conscious communities.

Risks:

• Competition (Dollar General, Five Below),
• Supply chain instability,
• Rising urban rental costs.

Strategic Play for Investors

The future of 99 Cents Only Stores lies in:

• Fortifying major urban markets,
• Expanding suburban presence selectively,
• Using location intelligence tools like Polygon AI for smart expansion.

Conclusion

In 2025, 99 Cents Only Stores remain a robust force in the U.S. discount retail sector with 375 stores strategically positioned. Their move toward smart expansion and profit-focused operations gives investors and businesses great opportunities to benefit from America’s persistent demand for affordable retail options. For those exploring optimized store placement in urban markets, leveraging AI-driven solutions for grocery store placement in New York's urban centers can provide valuable insights into maximizing visibility and foot traffic.

How xMap's Insights Can Help Investors and Businesses

xMap’s Polygon AI empowers businesses to:

• Instantly visualize competitor density and traffic patterns,
• Identify emerging suburban high-growth zones,
• Build custom location suitability models using live demographic, economic, and retail datasets,
• Save months of manual market research.

Using xMap's geospatial intelligence solutions ensures faster, smarter, and more successful business site decisions — whether you're expanding a retail footprint or investing in America's evolving discount market.