Target Stores is the second largest discount retailer in the United States, trailing only Walmart. As of 2010, the company was ranked 30th on the Fortune 500 and is included in the Standard & Poor's 500 index. Additionally, Target licenses its bullseye trademark to Wesfarmers, which owns the separate Target Australia chain.

JCPenney Company, Inc., trading under the symbol JCP on the New York Stock Exchange, is an American mid-range department store chain headquartered in Plano, Texas, a northern suburb of Dallas. The company operates 1,107 department stores across all 50 U.S. states and Puerto Rico. JCPenney also maintains catalog sales merchant offices nationwide, serving many small markets.

Most JCPenney stores are situated in suburban shopping malls. Historically, the majority of its stores were located in downtown areas. However, as shopping malls gained popularity in the second half of the 20th century, JCPenney adapted by relocating many of its stores to serve as anchors for these malls. In recent years, the chain has continued to follow consumer trends, opening some standalone stores, including some located next to competitors. Certain stores are located in power centers and can be considered big-box stores. The company has been involved in e-commerce since 1998 and has streamlined its catalog and distribution operations while making improvements to its stores.