Stock markets sell off. That’s part of investing, and even great companies can get caught in the drop. But some businesses are built to take a hit and keep moving, especially when they sell things people need or offer a clear reason to keep spending with them.
The following three companies have the scale, brands, and everyday demand that can help cushion their stocks when the market gets shaky, whether it’s this fall or next year or three years from now. A sell-off could still knock these shares down for a while, but I would expect the damage to be more of a dip than a long-term breakdown.
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1. Costco
Costco Wholesale (NASDAQ: COST) keeps leaning into its simple promise: Pay a membership fee; get everyday value. This year, the company is opening roughly two dozen net new warehouses, relocating some older clubs into larger formats, and investing billions in new buildings, depots, and remodels. In a shaky market, that matters because Costco’s model tends to pull in both budget‑conscious families and higher‑income shoppers who still want a deal.
Also, its business is built around essentials, so demand can hold up even when consumers pull back elsewhere. Look at COVID times, when its same-store sales rose 7.7% even during fiscal 2020. Its huge scale also gives it purchasing power and a cost advantage that can help it remain competitive when shoppers become more price-conscious.
2. Walmart
Walmart (NASDAQ: WMT) is using automation and digital tools to make its “everyday low price” promise more durable. In its latest results and at a consumer conference, management highlighted strong revenue growth, a 26% jump in enterprise e‑commerce sales, and delivery speeds that now fulfill many orders in under three hours.
Behind that, roughly half of U.S. e‑commerce fulfillment volume and more than 60% of store freight already move through automated distribution centers, and membership, marketplace, and advertising now contribute around one‑third of operating income.
Perhaps Walmart’s biggest strength is its sheer scale, giving it a huge customer base and a powerful position in everyday retail. Its grocery business and broad store network also provide a steady stream of repeat shoppers, even as consumers cut back. The company is also building higher-margin businesses like online advertising, which could provide another source of profit growth over time.
