• by Sarah Mahoney  @mahoney_sarah, August 2, 2010

For stores, hot equals value -- at least according to the new "Hot 100 Retailers" just released by the National Retail Federation. As consumers hunted harder for bargains, chains like Syms -- which came in #1 -- grew the fastest, as did those offering online convenience, including Amazon (#6) and Netflix (#7.)

According to the annual ranking, the recession opened the door for the speedy growth of bargain-based chains -- even those that weren't on many shoppers' radar before the downturn. The ranking is published in the NRF's Stores Magazine this month, and is based on the largest percentage increases in domestic sales among private and public companies with more than $300 million in sales.

(Of course, sales increases don't always translate to profits, and it's worth noting that both its #1 and #2 choices actually lost money last year, with Syms, which recently acquired Filene's Basement, narrowing those losses in its most recent quarter. But while Fresh & Easy Neighborhood Market -- the fledgling West Coast grocery chain -- claimed the second spot based on a 55% increase in year-over-year sales, it lost some $262.4 million last year for its British owner Tesco last year, sparking a minor revolt among peeved investors.)

In addition to Syms, other off-price clothing chains also fared well, including Citi Trends (#10), Ross Stores (#21) and TJX (#29). And the list was also peppered with fast-growing dollar stores, a favorite channel during the downturn. Dollar General ranked #13, Dollar Tree #15, and Family Dollar #46.

O'Reilly Automotive, a chain that specializes in aftermarket auto parts, came in #3 with sales increasing 35% from 2008 to 2009, providing more evidence that Americans were exceptionally cash-cautious last year.

With Rue 21 in the #4 spot, teen retailers also held their own in the top 10, with Aéropostale landing at #8 and The Buckle at #9. But the changing landscape made way for three newcomers -- Verizon Wireless (#5), Amazon.com (#6) and Netflix (#7).

In all, only 16 companies have managed to land on the Top 100 list for five consecutive years: Amazon.com, CVS Caremark, O'Reilly Automotive, Aeropostale, Urban Outfitters, Dick's Sporting Goods, Jos. A. Bank Clothiers, Dress Barn, J.Crew Group, Tractor Supply Co., Best Buy, Ross Stores, Walgreens, Dollar Tree Stores, Cabela's and PetSmart.

The group also ranks the fastest-growing American restaurants: NPC International, which owns 1,149 Pizza Hut franchises, came in at No. 1; followed by Buffalo Wild Wings, BJ's Restaurants, Chipotle Mexican Grill, Burger King Corp., Tim Hortons, Texas Roadhouse, Panera Bread Co., McDonald's and Steak 'n' Shake.