Victorias Secret

Victoria's Secret is not hush-hush, but it is unmentionable(s). The largest subsidiary of Limited Brands (based on sales) is also North America's #1 specialty retailer of women's intimate apparel, operating about 1,300 mostly mall-based Victoria's Secret and La Senza lingerie stores throughout the US and Canada. Bras, panties, hosiery, swimwear, shoes, and more are sold under the Victoria's Secret brand and grouped in collections such as Body By Victoria and Very Sexy. Many Victoria's Secret lingerie stores also sell beauty products. Its sister company Victoria's Secret Direct mails more than 400 million of its sexy catalogs per year, offering intimate apparel, women's clothing, and footwear.

The Buckle

The Buckle has done away with the notion that Midwestern kids wear only overalls. With about 370 mostly mall-based stores in 38 states, The Buckle sells fashion-conscious 12- to 24-year-olds the clothes they've just got to have: mid- to higher-priced casual apparel (pants, tops, outerwear, shoes, and accessories), including brand names such as Dr. Martens, Fossil, Lucky, Polo, and Silver. Denim, which accounts for about 40% of sales, is popular with its customers. The Buckle operates under the names Buckle and The Buckle; it also has an online store. Born and raised in Nebraska, it has expanded into the South and West. Chairman Daniel Hirschfeld, the founder's son, owns more than 40% of The Buckle's shares.