In its October 29, 2001 issue, Forbes magazine listed America’s 200 best small companies. Several retailers made the list including: Chico’s FAS (1); Christopher & Banks (9); Hot Topic (13); J Jill Group (29); Krispy Kreme Doughnuts (94); Kenneth Cole Productions (98); 99 Cents Only Store (114); Deb Shops (116); Sonic (122); Sport Chalet (133); Buckle (149); Arden Group (153); Cost Plus (160); O’Charley’s (163); Dave & Buster’s (165); Shoe Carnival (166); IHOP (181); Jos A Bank Clothiers (186); Movie Gallery (193); and S&K Famous Brands (200).
The ranking is based on six equally weighted metrics: return on equity, sales and earnings-per-share growth – each of them measured during the past five years and the most recent four quarters.