The 21st century has brought significant changes, one of which is the way people shop. Online stores have become increasingly popular, with around 20% or 1 in 5 global retail sales now being made through them. This rate is even higher in many highly developed countries. Online stores have surpassed traditional brick-and-mortar stores in many branches and product categories, becoming the preferred shopping option for many. The convenience of online shopping is the main reason for its popularity, allowing customers to choose from a wide range of different models, products, sizes, and other options with just a few clicks. Online stores can either sell their own products or offer their store as a marketplace for other sellers and collect a fee for every listing or item sold. They can function as B2C or B2B retail or as a marketplace for C2C transactions. The increase in online shopping worldwide has turned the global e-commerce market into a multi-billion dollar industry. Check out the Top 10 biggest online stores in the world, ranked based on their most recent global sales!
Amazon
Total online sales: $325.3 billion
Number of visits per month (online store): approx. 5 billion
Type of retail: B2C
Headquarters located at: Seattle, Washington, USA
Established in: 1994
Products type: no specific focus, almost all types of goods
Amazon.com is a massive online retailer that has come a long way since its inception as an online bookseller. Today, it offers a wide range of services that cater to different needs. For instance, Amazon provides cloud computing services that enable businesses to access the computing resources they need without having to invest in expensive hardware. Additionally, Amazon offers digital streaming services that provide users with access to a vast library of movies and TV shows.
Apart from these services, Amazon offers an extensive range of products that cater to different consumer needs. There is a vast array of items available for purchase by consumers, ranging from apparel, cosmetics, and food to electronics, pet accessories, and furniture, as well as garden and household supplies. By offering such a vast product range and inventory, Amazon provides consumers with a one-stop-shop for their shopping needs. Amazon.com is a giant in the online retail space that offers a wide range of services and products to cater to different consumer needs. Its approach to selling directly to buyers has made the buying process more efficient, while its investment in artificial intelligence has enabled it to provide personalized recommendations to users.
JD.com
Total online sales: $135.9 billion
Number of visits per month (online store): approx. 580 million
Type of retail: B2C
Headquarters located at: Beijing, China
Established in: 1998
Products type: no specific focus, almost all types of goods
JD.com, Inc. is a well-known Chinese e-commerce company that specializes in selling various products ranging from electronics, audio and video, books to general merchandise products. The company operates through two main segments: JD Mall, which is its primary e-commerce business, and New Businesses, which includes an array of services such as third-party logistics, technology, insurance, and offline-to-online services.
Apart from that, the company has an online marketplace that allows third-party sellers to sell their products to customers through JD.com’s website and mobile apps. Furthermore, JD.com provides various value-added services to its customers such as advertising and logistics, making it a one-stop-shop for all shopping needs. JD.com is known for its technology-driven e-commerce business model, which has helped the company to expand its reach to over 300 million customers worldwide. The company was founded by Qiang Dong Liu in Beijing, China on June 18, 1998, and since then, it has grown to become a leading e-commerce company in China and beyond.
Taobao
Total online sales: $76.3 billion
Number of visits per month (online store): approx. 1.1 billion
Type of retail: B2C/С2С
Headquarters located at: Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
Established in: 2003
Products type: no specific focus, almost all types of goods
Taobao is an enormous e-commerce platform that was founded by Alibaba Group in 2003, allowing individuals and small business owners to sell their products online through their own stores. With over 600 million monthly active users, Taobao is not only the largest e-commerce site in the world, but it is also responsible for almost 60% of e-commerce sales. This means that Taobao is an incredibly important platform for both buyers and sellers.
Taobao is divided into two sections: Taobao Marketplace and Tmall. The former is designed for individuals and small to medium-sized businesses, while the latter is for medium to large businesses. Both sections offer a wide range of products, from fashion and beauty items to electronics and home goods.
Taobao is often referred to as the “China Amazon” or “China eBay”. Its popularity is not limited to China, as it is increasingly becoming popular among Asian and global consumers as well. This is due to the platform’s wide range of products and competitive prices, as well as its user-friendly interface and secure payment system.
Coupang
Total online sales: $18.2 billion
Number of visits per month (online store): approx. 120 million
Type of retail: B2C
Headquarters located at: Seoul, South Korea
Established in: 2010
Products type: no specific focus, almost all types of goods
Coupang, founded in 2010, is a popular e-commerce company based in South Korea that has earned the nickname “Korean Amazon.” This online shopping platform has grown to become the largest open market in the country, offering a vast range of products, from daily necessities and groceries to fashion and electronics. One of the unique features of Coupang is that vendors can not only buy products from them, but also sell their products using the company’s sales platform. Coupang also has its own brand products, which are delivered using their Rocket delivery service. This service ensures speedy delivery, with items delivered in as little as one day. In order to make sure deliveries are as quick and efficient as possible, Coupang operates over 150 distribution centers and hires drivers directly or through subcontractors. All in all, Coupang is a comprehensive e-commerce platform that offers a wide variety of products and services for both buyers and sellers alike.
Shein
Total online sales: $15.7 billion
Number of visits per month (online store): approx. 250 million
Type of retail: B2C
Headquarters located at: Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
Established in: 2008
Products type: Clothing
Shein is an online global fast-fashion retailer, founded in China, that has gained immense popularity in recent years due to its trendy and fashionable clothing and accessories. With a customer base that spans over 220 countries and territories worldwide, Shein has established itself as a go-to destination for fashion lovers. The company primarily specializes in women’s clothing and accessories, but it also offers a diverse range of other products such as kids’ clothes, men’s clothes, home decor, and even clothes and accessories for pets.
Shein is recognized for its affordability and offers thousands of stylish options to choose from, catering to fashion needs for everyone, regardless of age, gender, or taste. The company produces each style in a limited quantity to avoid overstocking and waste, making it an eco-friendly option for customers who care about the environment. Shein has become a formidable competitor for other popular brands such as ASOS, Zara, and H&M, owing to its unique style and affordable prices.
Carvana
Total online sales: $12.8 billion
Number of visits per month (online store): approx. 25 million
Type of retail: B2C
Headquarters located at: Tempe, Arizona, USA
Established in: 2012
Products type: Used cars
Carvana Co. is a Tempe, Arizona-based company that has created an e-commerce platform for buying and selling used cars in the United States. The company was founded in 2012 and offers a platform that allows customers to access a wide range of features and options. Customers can research and identify the perfect vehicle for their needs using Carvana’s advanced search tools and innovative technology. The platform also provides financing and warranty coverage to help customers purchase the car they want. With a user-friendly interface that can be accessed from desktop or mobile devices, Carvana makes the buying process easy and convenient. After purchasing a vehicle, customers can schedule delivery or pick-up of their vehicle, giving them complete control over the process. Carvana offers a range of delivery options to suit every need. The company is committed to providing its customers with a seamless and hassle-free car buying experience by utilizing innovative technology, a user-friendly platform, and a dedication to customer satisfaction. Carvana has quickly become a leader in the e-commerce car buying space.
Wayfair
Total online sales: $12.4 billion
Number of visits per month (online store): approx. 150 million
Type of retail: B2C
Headquarters located at: Boston, Massachusetts, USA
Established in: 2002
Products type: Furniture
Wayfair Inc. is a well-known e-commerce company that operates in the United States and other countries, offering a wide range of products for the home sector. The company has over 40 million items available for purchase, all sourced from different brands, and these products can be easily accessed through the company’s several online platforms, such as Wayfair, Joss & Main, AllModern, Birch Lane, Perigold, and Wayfair Professional. Besides furniture, the company also offers various home decor, housewares, and home improvement products, providing customers with a convenient one-stop-shop. Established in 2002, Wayfair Inc. has become one of the most prosperous e-commerce businesses worldwide, headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts, with a team of dedicated professionals who work hard to ensure customers receive the best possible service. With its commitment to quality and customer satisfaction, Wayfair Inc. has become a popular destination for people looking to buy home products, both domestically and internationally.
Wildberries
Total online sales: $10.8 billion
Number of visits per month (online store): approx. 320 million
Type of retail: B2C
Headquarters located at: Moscow, Russia
Established in: 2004
Products type: no specific focus, almost all types of goods
Wildberries is an online marketplace that has been around since 2004. Founded by Tatyana Bakalchuk, it initially began as a platform for selling clothing, shoes, electronics, children’s goods, household items, books, and beauty products in Russia. However, it has since grown rapidly and is now operating in 15 different countries, including Belarus, Armenia, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Kyrgyzstan. The company’s expansion is evident in its recent entry into the United States and several European Union countries, such as France, Spain, and Italy.
Tatyana Bakalchuk, the founder of Wildberries, has played a crucial role in the company’s success. Her vision and leadership skills have been instrumental in taking the company to new heights. Her dedication to providing quality products and services has been a cornerstone of Wildberries’ success. Today, she is the richest woman in Russia, and her success story is an inspiration to many entrepreneurs.
Zalando
Total online sales: $10.5 billion
Number of visits per month (online store): approx. 170 million
Type of retail: B2C
Headquarters located at: Berlin, Germany
Established in: 2008
Products type: Shoes & Clothing
Zalando, an online fashion platform that was established in 2008, has become very popular in Europe. With its presence in 25 European countries, Zalando has been able to establish itself as a leading player in the online fashion industry. Its primary market is Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, where it earns around 40% of its revenue. Despite facing growing competition, Zalando has been able to capture a significant share of the European apparel market. It currently holds a 4% share of overall apparel sales and a 12% share of online apparel sales. This is because Zalando offers products from over 7,000 brands, giving customers a wide range to choose from. To meet customer needs, Zalando has 12 fulfillment centers in Europe. This ensures that customers receive their orders in a timely and efficient manner. With over 50 million active users, Zalando has become a well-known name in the fashion industry. It has been able to build a loyal customer base because of its commitment to providing excellent customer service and high-quality products. Due to its strong brand reputation, Zalando is expected to continue to be a dominant player in the online fashion industry in the future.
eBay
Total online sales: $10.4 billion
Number of visits per month (online store): approx. 1.5 billion
Type of retail: C2C
Headquarters located at: San Jose, California, USA
Established in: 1995
Products type: no specific focus, almost all types of goods
eBay is a leading e-commerce platform that has been operating for over 25 years. It operates numerous marketplace platforms domestically in the United States and internationally. Through its online marketplace at ebay.com and eBay’s mobile apps, the company has developed an innovative and user-friendly platform that allows people to list, buy, and sell different types of products with ease. This has made eBay a go-to place for online shoppers looking for a diverse selection of products. eBay offers a wide range of goods, including fashion, electronics, collectibles, and home goods, which caters to the diverse needs of its users.
Over the years, eBay has grown from a small startup to a global giant, with millions of buyers and sellers using its online marketplace. This has made eBay a trusted platform for online transactions worldwide. To ensure that its users have a seamless experience, eBay provides a range of services such as shipping and payment processing. This not only saves time for its users but also ensures that transactions are secure and reliable.
