Value Rules in Yelp! Rankings

Value-oriented brands rose to the top and dominate Yelp’s newest listing of the 50 fastest-growing brands. “After years of high inflation, this year, the focus shifts from challenger brands to value brands—including restaurants, retailers, and food businesses that provide exceptional value for their goods,” the online rating site noted.

Yelp’s ranking are based specifically on net business openings, consumer interest and searches. The top five companies are:

1. Ollie’s Bargain Outlets
2. Dollar Tree
3. HomeGoods
4. Rally House
5. Nothing Bundt Cakes

Overall, nearly half (46%) of the businesses on the list offer value meals or menus, or are retailers otherwise known for their affordability, compared to only 18% of brands on last year’s list. This shift underscores a broader consumer trend of prioritizing cost-effective options without compromising on quality, a sentiment echoed across Yelp reviews.

“While the businesses on the list range from regional favorites to public companies, they’re all expanding their footprint and influence across the nation rapidly, according to both business growth and consumer demand metrics on Yelp,” the company noted.

Here’s what the survey had to say about rankings-leader Ollie’s: “This business is known for its quirky branding and for selling bulk items from brand stores at low prices. The bargain outlet created a robust rewards program to foster customer loyalty, and recently made headlines for acquiring defunct Big Lots stores. According to Yelp data, Ollie’s saw a whopping 212% growth in consumer interest, as it opened 25 new locations in 2024.”

Click here for more from the Yelp rankings.