The World’s Top Ecommerce Companies (2025 List)

There are many ecommerce companies worldwide, but only a few stand out as the top ecommerce companies. What makes these leaders so successful? What key factors contribute to their dominance, and how can you make your ecommerce company successful on these platforms?

In this post, we’ll explore the top ecommerce companies globally, analyze their common success traits, and share actionable tips to help your business thrive.

Let's get started!

Why Do Ecommerce Companies Matter?

Ecommerce is rapidly expanding, with more people shopping online for groceries, clothing, and more. Top ecommerce companies offer better deals and save time compared to brick-and-mortar stores.

However, challenges include the difficulty of returns and potential overspending. Despite these drawbacks, the benefits of convenience and cost savings often outweigh the cons. As leading ecommerce companies grow, online shopping will become even more popular.

In 2023, the largest ecommerce companies contributed to a global retail ecommerce sales figure of approximately 5.8 trillion U.S. dollars. Projections for the top ecommerce companies suggest a 39 percent increase in this number, with expectations to exceed eight trillion dollars by 2027.

Wondering what has led to this rise in the popularity of ecommerce?

Here are the top reasons behind it:

• The proliferation of the internet and mobile devices: There are now more people with access to the internet than ever before. In fact, there are 5.35 billion internet users around the world as of June 2024. This number is only going to continue to grow as time goes on.
• The ease of use of online shopping: Shopping online is extremely easy and convenient. You can do it from the comfort of your own home or even on the go using your mobile phone. You don’t have to deal with traffic, long lines, or crowds.
• The wide selection of products: When you shop online, you have access to literally millions of different products from all over the world. You can find anything you’re looking for with just a few clicks.
• Great deals and discounts: One of the best things about shopping online is that you can find great deals and discounts on just about anything. 69% of consumers shop online to look for the best deals. And, with a little bit of research, you can find some amazing bargains.

All of these have made ecommerce companies a big deal and contributed to the overall increase in sales and revenue across markets.

If you want to take your business to the next level, it’s high time to open an online store. Try using any of these popular ecommerce platforms to get started.

The World’s Top Ecommerce Companies

Let's take a look at some of the world's top ecommerce companies based on several factors, including:

• Revenue generated
• Market cap data
• Gross merchandise value (GMV)
• Traffic (both local and international)
• Growth rate
• Influence

These companies are listed according to their market share value.

1. Amazon – $1.91 Trillion

Amazon is the largest ecommerce company based on a 2024 ecommerce companies revenue report, as shown below:

Headquartered in Seattle, Washington, United States, Amazon is the world's largest ecommerce company and easily one of the best ecommerce shopping sites in the world. It boasts a market cap of over USD $1.9 trillion, hitting the $2 trillion mark soon.

It has earned the trust of over 230 million Americans and 310 million users worldwide, with strict review policies, same-day delivery options, and its commitment to eco-friendly shipping.

In 2023 alone, Amazon generated an estimated revenue of $574 billion and has a GMV value of $729 billion.

Along with selling various products, Amazon also launched other services to increase its revenue. Amazon Web Services (AWS) – a cloud computing solution, Kindle – an ebook store, and Amazon Prime – a video and music streaming service, are some of these.

Live streaming service, Twitch, was also acquired by Amazon.

Amazon is not just one of the world's largest ecommerce marketplaces but it is also a big competitor in the Internet of Things (IoT) industry.

2. Walmart – $536.50 Billion

Walmart is an American multinational retail corporation that operates a chain of hypermarkets, discount department stores, and superstores. The company was founded by Sam Walton in 1962 in Rogers, Arkansas, and it now operates in over 10,500 stores in the world.

It is the world’s largest retailer that sells products from various categories.

In 2021, Walmart's global revenue hit $559 billion and its online sales boomed significantly by a whopping 97% during the COVID-19 pandemic (Q2 of 2020), making it second only to Amazon.

In the fiscal year 2023, Walmart amassed a global revenue of $648 billion. A 6% increase over the previous year.

Walmart sells about 75 million different products, varying from groceries to apparel, home appliances, and electronics, making it one of the most diversified ecommerce platforms.

What makes Walmart so successful?

There are a few key reasons:

With over 11,000 stores in 27 countries, Walmart has a significant physical presence that gives it a competitive advantage over other online-only retailers.

Moreover, Walmart is known for its “everyday low prices” strategy, which it uses to attract customers and keep them coming back.

Another key to Walmart's success is their focus on customer service. The company consistently ranks high in customer satisfaction surveys.

3. Costco – $375.04 Billion

Headquartered in Issaquah, Washington, United States, Costco boasts a market cap of $375.04 billion, establishing itself as a significant player in the global ecommerce market.

In 2023, Costco generated a remarkable revenue of $242 billion, demonstrating its robust presence in the retail sector.

The Costco ecommerce platform is widely visited, with millions of shoppers taking advantage of its extensive product range and competitive pricing.

In addition to its ecommerce success, Costco offers various services to enhance its revenue, such as membership programs, travel services, and Costco Pharmacy.

Costco's commitment to quality and customer satisfaction has made it a formidable competitor in the ecommerce industry, consistently driving growth and innovation.

4. The Home Depot – $344.56 Billion

The Home Depot is the world’s largest home improvement retailer. What sets this ecommerce marketplace apart from other retailers is its focus on customer service.

The company has a team of in-store experts who can help customers with everything from choosing the right products to completing DIY projects. It also offers free shipping on orders over $45 and has a convenient return policy.

These customer-friendly policies have helped The Home Depot become one of the most successful ecommerce companies in the world.

The company was founded in 1978 and is headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia.

In 2021, they also launched “Rent Online, Pick-Up In-Store (RPOIS),” a new service that allows customers to rent tools and equipment from the comfort of their homes.

In 2023, Home Depot had the fourth-highest market value, at $344.56 billion.

It also made a net profit of $15.1 billion for the 2023 fiscal year.

The Home Depot is an excellent example of an ecommerce company that has found success by focusing on the needs of its customers.

5. Reliance Industries – $237.45 Billion

Based in Mumbai, India, Reliance Industries has a market cap of $237.45 billion, making it another strong player in the ecommerce market.

In 2023, Reliance Industries reported a substantial revenue of $106 billion, underscoring its strong presence in various sectors, including ecommerce.

The Reliance ecommerce platform, JioMart, has gained significant traction, attracting millions of users monthly with its wide range of products and services.

Beyond ecommerce, Reliance Industries has diversified its portfolio with ventures such as Jio – a telecom giant, and Reliance Retail – one of the largest retail chains in India.

Reliance Industries' innovative approach and strategic investments have positioned it as a formidable force in the ecommerce and technology sectors, continually driving growth and market expansion.

6. Pinduoduo – $212.04 Billion

Pinduoduo’s headquarters are located in Shanghai, China. It boasts a market cap of $212.04 billion, solidifying its presence in the global ecommerce market.

In 2023, Pinduoduo generated a notable revenue of $28 billion, reflecting its rapid growth and popularity among consumers.

Pinduoduo’s ecommerce platform is immensely popular, attracting millions of visitors with its unique group-buying model and competitive pricing.

In addition to ecommerce, Pinduoduo has expanded its offerings to include agricultural technology solutions, aiming to revolutionize the farming industry.

Pinduoduo’s innovative business model and focus on affordability have made it a leading player in the ecommerce sector, driving significant growth and consumer engagement.

7. Alibaba – $183.50 Billion

Headquartered in Hangzhou, Alibaba Group Holding Ltd. is a Chinese multinational conglomerate specializing in ecommerce, retail, Internet, and technology.

Founded in 1999 by Jack Ma, Alibaba is one of the world's largest online marketplaces, amassing more than $130.35 billion (around 941 billion yuan) in annual sales for 2023. As of 2024, it has a market cap of $183.50 billion.

Alibaba’s success is due in large part to its focus on the Chinese market. The company has a deep understanding of Chinese consumers and what they want.

The company is also a master at using data to its advantage. It uses big data and artificial intelligence to personalize the shopping experience for each of its customers.

The Alibaba Group operates several businesses, including:

• Taobao
• Tmall
• Taobao Deals
• Taocaicai
• Tmall Supermarket
• Tmall Global
• Freshippo
• Alibaba Health
• Sun Art
• 1688.com
• Lazada
• AliExpress
• Trendyol
• Daraz
• Alibaba.com

What Are the World’s Largest Ecommerce Markets?

China is the world's largest ecommerce market, followed by the United States and the United Kingdom. Other large markets include Japan, South Korea, Germany, and France.

China has the world's largest population, and its ecommerce market is growing exponentially. It is estimated to be worth over $3 billion thanks to its over 915 million online shoppers.

The United States is the second-largest market, with a revenue size of $1.16 trillion in 2023.

The United Kingdom (U.K.) is another big ecommerce market with a revenue size of $195 billion in 2023. Some of the top ecommerce companies contributing to this market share are Amazon.co.uk, Tesco, and Argos.

Several factors contribute to the success of the largest ecommerce markets. First, these markets have large populations, providing a vast potential customer base. Second, they are experiencing rapid economic growth, which fuels increased consumer spending. Third, they have high disposable incomes, allowing consumers to spend more on online shopping.

These attributes make these markets highly attractive to ecommerce businesses, offering significant opportunities for high sales and revenue.

If you’re looking to start or grow an ecommerce business, targeting these markets is crucial. Each one presents unique opportunities for success.

The Different Types of Ecommerce Companies

Ecommerce companies come in all shapes and sizes. Some are small, others are large. Some operate exclusively online, while others have brick-and-mortar locations as well. And some focus on selling physical goods, while others sell digital products or services.

Let's take a look at the major types of ecommerce companies:

• Branded ecommerce stores or online retailers: These are online stores that sell products that are produced by a specific company. Think Macy’s, Gap Inc., Nike, or Apple Inc. These companies typically have very strong brand recognition and loyal followings. They can be brick-and-mortar stores that have an online presence, or they can be online-only stores.
• Ecommerce marketplaces: These are platforms that allow multiple sellers to sell their products in one place. Think Amazon, eBay, or Etsy. They're typically very large companies, with many employees and sellers, and also have a strong online presence. Sometimes, they may also have brick-and-mortar locations.Ecommerce marketplaces are popular because they offer a convenient way for buyers to find and purchase products from a variety of sellers (and brands) in one place.
• Digital content providers: These are the companies that sell digital products or services. This can include anything from music and movies to ebooks and software. Think of companies like Apple Inc. (iTunes), Amazon (Amazon Prime), and Netflix.
• Online service providers: These are the companies that provide a service to their customers. This can include anything from home cleaning services to online dating. It can also be a utility company, a phone company, or a transportation company. These ecommerce companies usually have a network of infrastructure that they use to provide their service, including a website, an app, and a payment system. Most of them will also have customer service representatives who can help their customers with any problems they might have.

The Key Features of the Most Successful Ecommerce Companies

Before we move on to the list of the top ecommerce companies, it’s important to note the key features that make them successful. By understanding these qualities, you can learn from their examples and create a more successful ecommerce business of your own.

The most successful ecommerce companies have a few key things in common:

Third-Party Marketplace Functionality

One of the most important features of successful ecommerce companies is their ability to function as a third-party marketplace. This means that they allow other businesses to sell their products through their platform.

Not only does this create a more diverse selection of products for customers, but it also allows businesses to reach larger audiences. And, of course, it’s a great way to generate more revenue.

Some of the most successful ecommerce companies, like Amazon and eBay, were built primarily as third-party marketplaces. And they continue to be some of the most popular ecommerce platforms in the world.

If you want to create a successful ecommerce company, then you need to make sure that you have third-party marketplace functionality.

A Robust Fulfillment System

Another important feature of successful ecommerce companies is a robust fulfillment system. This is the process by which orders are received, processed, and shipped.

A fulfillment system needs to be efficient and reliable to avoid any delays or disruptions in the ordering and shipping process. It should also be able to scale as your business grows.

The fulfillment system is a critical part of the ecommerce experience, and it’s something that you need to get right if you want to be successful.

Membership Programs

Many successful ecommerce companies have membership programs that offer exclusive benefits to members. These programs often include free shipping, early access to new products, and special discounts.

Customers are more likely to make repeat purchases from companies that offer these kinds of loyalty programs.

Mobile Functionality and Responsiveness

Mobile commerce is up and rising. In 2023, mobile sales accounted for 60% of all ecommerce sales, amounting to $2.2 trillion. It is estimated to surpass $3.4 trillion by 2027 (62% of all ecommerce sales).

That’s why the most successful ecommerce companies have websites that are mobile-friendly and responsive. This ensures that customers can easily purchase products no matter what device they’re using.

Personalized Messaging and Offers

A personalized message goes a long way. When you make an offer, it should be tailored to the individual based on their previous interactions with your company. This could be anything from a first-time buyer discount to free shipping on their next order.

However, there is a fine line between personalization and misusing consumer data.

69% of consumers appreciate personalization but only when brands are using data that they’ve shared directly, and not purchased data from third-party cookies. A majority of consumers are concerned about how brands use their personal data.

This is why it’s so important to be transparent with your audience about how you use their data and to give them the option to opt-in/opt-out of certain features.

A Seamless Customer Journey

The customer journey is the path that a customer takes from initial awareness of a product or service to eventual purchase.

A seamless customer journey is one in which there are no barriers or friction points between the customer and the purchase. In other words, it’s a smooth and enjoyable experience from start to finish.

Here are a few tips on how to:

• Build an ecommerce website
• Add the right components to your ecommerce site
• Optimize your ecommerce product pages to boost conversions

A Strong Brand

A strong brand is another common feature of top ecommerce companies.

When it comes to a brand, it is much more than a logo or a name. It’s the whole package of what a customer experiences when they interact with your company.

Building a sustainable brand means staying consistent across all customer touchpoints, from the website to customer service and social media.

Also read: ZeBrand Review: Is it the brand-building platform you need?

An Excellent Customer Service Team

Another key ingredient for ecommerce success is an excellent customer service team. This team will be responsible for handling any and all customer inquiries, whether they’re about an order, a product, or something else entirely.

Your customer service team should be friendly, helpful, and responsive in order to create a positive customer experience, and help your business become one of the top ecommerce companies in the world.

Learn how to improve your customer service through my guide here.

FAQs

Are You Ready to Boost Your Ecommerce Sales?

If you’re looking to take your ecommerce business to the next level, it’s time to start thinking about how you can cater your services to meet consumers' needs.

After all, the most successful ecommerce companies in the world have one thing in common: they’re all customer-centric.

What does that mean for you?

You need to focus on creating a seamless experience, offering a wide range of products, and providing excellent customer service. If you can do that, you’ll be well on your way to becoming one of the top ecommerce companies in the world (just like the ones listed in this article).

Do you have questions about how to make your ecommerce business more successful and which trends to follow? I’d love to hear from you in the comments below.