3 Retail Stocks Built to Survive Tariffs, Inflation, and the Next 30 Years

In a time of economic turmoil, people have a natural inclination to seek safety. In today's market environment, consumers and investors are looking for ways to mitigate the negative effects of tariffs and inflation. They want stocks that are likely to stay solid for an extended period of time, such as 30 years.

Despite a pullback in the market, the following retail stocks are likely not going to be the cheapest options. Nonetheless, they have solid business models designed to adapt to such challenges and thrive over the long term.

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Costco

When it comes to brick-and-mortar retailers, it is hard to match the success of Costco (NASDAQ: COST). Its approach of charging a membership fee and selling high-quality goods close to their true cost has won the company fans and helped its members mitigate the effects of inflation.

On the tariff front, it has gone so far as to sue the Trump administration over the tariffs later deemed unconstitutional by the Supreme Court. Here, it intends to obtain refunds from the tariffs that it intends to pass on to members.

Moreover, investors should not worry about its longevity. It continues to move into more mid-size U.S. metros. On the international front, its business model has fit into whatever market it has entered, likely ensuring it can continue expanding abroad for decades.

The challenge investors have with Costco is its success itself. Its stock trades at 52 times earnings, nearly double the average S&P 500 price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of 27. While its growth continues, its 13% annual earnings growth in the first two quarters of fiscal 2026 (ended Feb. 15) likely does not justify such an earnings multiple.

Although 30-year time horizons are difficult to predict, Costco stock could succeed if it maintains its current growth trajectory.

Amazon

Another retailer well positioned for the challenges of our time is Amazon (NASDAQ: AMZN). As the company that "sells everything," it can play a critical role in directing customers to substitute goods that can minimize the impacts of inflation and tariffs.

Moreover, its role in retail is difficult to challenge. It can afford to sell goods at thin margins. Less capital-intensive businesses, such as digital advertising and third-party seller services, grow net sales at double-digit rates.

Additionally, its cloud computing arm Amazon Web Services (AWS) generates the majority of its operating income. AWS remains the leading cloud computing market, and it expects the global cloud computing market to grow at a 19% compound annual growth rate (CAGR) through 2030, which takes significant pressure off the online sales business.

Furthermore, Amazon's stock trades at a significant discount compared to the past. In 2025, net income rose by 31% year over year. Also, its P/E ratio has fallen to 29. This is a historically low valuation since, in years past, Amazon routinely sold for above 50 times earnings.

Considering its strength in retailing, Amazon could remain a major retailer for the next 30 years. With the company's rapid growth and falling valuation, it is a stock worth considering at these levels.

Walmart

As most investors know, Walmart (NASDAQ: WMT) is the world's largest retailer and remains a force in the industry. Over 90% of Americans live within 10 miles of a Walmart, and after struggling internationally, it has found increased success in e-commerce.

Walmart also stands out for its supply chain efficiency. With its skills in squeezing out costs and moving products globally, it can minimize the effects of inflation and tariffs.

In terms of longevity, it has shown an ability to bounce back. In the previous decade, saturation at home and failures to expand internationally left investors wondering whether it was in decline. Nonetheless, a hard pivot into e-commerce and omnichannel retailing (which Amazon cannot match) proved it could remain relevant in the rapidly evolving retail landscape.

In fiscal 2025 (ended Jan. 31), Walmart increased its profits by 13%, a solid result for a retailer whose market cap is just under $1 trillion. Still, its earnings multiple of 46 is well above its five-year average P/E ratio of 36. At such a premium, one can argue that Walmart stock has become too expensive.

However, Walmart's footprint across the U.S. is unmatched. Additionally, its supply chain efficiencies are valuable in today's turbulent environment, making it likely that Walmart's stock can succeed now and in the coming years.

Will Healy has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Amazon, Costco Wholesale, and Walmart. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.