2 No-Brainer Crypto Retail Stocks to Buy Before the Next Bull Run

Retail Meets Blockchain: The Unstoppable Convergence

While traditional finance still debates crypto's legitimacy, smart money already positions for the retail-blockchain merger. These two stocks bridge physical commerce with digital asset infrastructure—creating explosive growth potential.

The Gateway Play: Crypto-Native Retail Expansion

First mover advantage in crypto-friendly retail isn't just about accepting digital payments—it's about building entire ecosystems around blockchain adoption. This company's physical footprint gives it distribution scale that pure-play crypto firms would kill for.

The Infrastructure Bet: Behind-the-Scenes Blockchain Enabler

Forget flashy exchanges—the real money flows through the pipes. This firm provides the compliance and settlement infrastructure that lets traditional retailers dip toes into crypto waters without regulatory nightmares.

Both positions leverage retail's gradual—some might say painfully slow—awakening to digital assets. Because nothing says 'progress' like watching billion-dollar corporations finally discovering technology that's been around since 2009.

1. Target

(TGT -3.73%) has become a popular retailer by offering unique and exclusive products along with basic items (like groceries). This drew customers, and the company became very successful.

Lately, sales have been weak. Target's fiscal second-quarter same-store sales (comps) fell 1.9%. Traffic contributed a 1.3-percentage-point decline, and spending accounted for 0.6 percentage points of the drop. This was for the three months that ended Aug. 2.

There are a few reasons for Target's sales decline. First, consumers have been squeezed by higher overall prices that affected their ability to spend on discretionary items. I don't find that concerning, given that cycles end, inflation rates will abate at some point, and people will spend more.

Target's management also admitted missteps in its merchandising strategy. But incoming CEO Michael Fiddelke promised changes like improving store quality, offering trendier merchandise, and investing in technology. These seem like good approaches to fixing these long-standing problems. Fiddelke, currently chief operating officer, will formally start his new role on Feb. 1.

The last issue confronting Target is also self-inflicted. Earlier this year, the company pulled back its diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. This caused backlash, and groups boycotted the stores and website. Management has taken steps to rectify the situation, including meeting with community leaders.

Target's share price performance reflects these challenges. The stock dropped 40.3% in 2025 through Oct. 8, while theindex gained 17.4%.

I believe the economic issues and merchandise offerings will improve as Target gets back to what made it successful. And if management takes steps to improve the dialogue, I expect boycotts will end. Meanwhile, the stock sells at a price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of 11. That's a heavy discount compared to the S&P 500's P/E multiple of 31.

2. Home Depot

(HD -0.48%) dominates the home improvement retail sector. Its annualized sales and current store count -- $170 billion and more than 23,500, respectively -- dwarf$90 billion and more than 1,750 locations.

However, the home improvement sector has seen its share of challenges over the last couple of years. That's due in part to larger economic concerns, including higher prices, that have caused homeowners to delay major improvement projects.

Home Depot's fiscal second-quarter comps increased a tepid 1.4% after excluding foreign-currency translation effects. Spending increased while lower traffic hurt comps. The period ended Aug. 3.

At some point, interest rates will drop, lowering borrowing costs. And homeowners will feel comfortable undergoing big renovations. Management has also been expanding to increasingly target professional contracts. It announced the acquisition of GMS, a distributor of specialty building products, including drywall, ceilings, and steel framing used in residential and commercial end markets. Hence, when the environment becomes more favorable, it seems likely that pros will turn to Home Depot, and sales growth will accelerate.

The company's shares have underperformed the overall market in 2025, gaining just 0.1%. That's led to the stock's P/E ratio staying constant at 26.

This means that the stock has a cheaper valuation than the S&P 500's P/E multiple.