17 Largest Online Retailers in the World

In today’s digital age, online retail has transformed the shopping experience, offering unparalleled convenience and accessibility. Leading this revolution are several global giants, each contributing uniquely to the e-commerce landscape. This article delves into the profiles of some of the world’s largest online retailers, highlighting their histories, revenues, employee strengths, founding years, and headquarters.

Amazon

Amazon.com, founded by Jeff Bezos on July 5, 1994, in Bellevue, Washington, began as an online bookstore. Over the years, it has diversified into various sectors, including cloud computing, digital streaming, and artificial intelligence. In 2023, Amazon reported revenues of $514 billion, reflecting its expansive global reach. The company employs approximately 1.5 million people worldwide, underscoring its significant presence in the global market. Amazon’s headquarters are located in Seattle, Washington, serving as the central hub for its vast operations.

JD

JD.com, also known as Jingdong, is a leading Chinese e-commerce company founded by Liu Qiangdong on June 18, 1998. Initially starting as an online magneto-optical store, it has evolved into a major B2C online retailer, competing closely with Alibaba’s Tmall. In 2023, JD.com reported revenues exceeding $152.8 billion, making it China’s largest retailer by revenue. The company employs around 310,000 individuals, reflecting its extensive operations. JD.com’s headquarters are situated in Beijing, China, serving as the epicenter of its expansive e-commerce network.

Walmart

Walmart, established by Sam Walton on July 2, 1962, in Rogers, Arkansas, has grown into a global retail powerhouse. The company ventured into e-commerce with Walmart.com, offering a vast array of products online. In 2023, Walmart’s total revenue reached $611.3 billion, with a significant portion attributed to its online sales. The company employs over 2.3 million associates worldwide, highlighting its massive scale. Walmart’s headquarters are located in Bentonville, Arkansas, serving as the central hub for its global operations.

Apple

Apple Inc., founded by Steve Jobs, Steve Wozniak, and Ronald Wayne on April 1, 1976, in Cupertino, California, has revolutionized the technology industry. Known for its innovative products like the iPhone, iPad, and Mac, Apple has also established a strong online retail presence through its website and the App Store. In 2024, Apple reported revenues of $394.3 billion, reflecting its dominant market position. The company employs approximately 164,000 people globally, underscoring its significant impact on the tech industry. Apple’s headquarters, known as Apple Park, are located in Cupertino, California, serving as the nerve center for its global operations.

Schwarz Group (Lidl and Kaufland)

The Schwarz Group, founded by Josef Schwarz in 1930, is a German multinational retail conglomerate. It operates popular brands like Lidl and Kaufland, offering a wide range of products through both physical stores and online platforms. In the fiscal year 2022/2023, the group reported revenues of €154.1 billion, making it one of the world’s largest retailers. The Schwarz Group employs around 575,000 individuals, reflecting its extensive operations across Europe and the U.S. Its headquarters are located in Neckarsulm, Germany, serving as the central hub for its global retail activities.

Aldi

Aldi, a German discount supermarket chain, was founded by brothers Karl and Theo Albrecht in 1946. The company operates over 10,000 stores across 20 countries, offering a range of products at competitive prices. While specific revenue figures are not publicly disclosed, Aldi is recognized as one of the world’s leading retailers. The company employs tens of thousands of individuals globally, underscoring its significant market presence. Aldi’s headquarters are located in Essen and Mülheim, Germany, serving as the central hubs for its operations.

Alibaba

Alibaba Group, founded by Jack Ma on June 28, 1999, in Hangzhou, China, is a multinational conglomerate specializing in e-commerce, retail, internet, and technology. The company operates various online platforms, including Taobao and Tmall, catering to both consumer-to-consumer and business-to-consumer markets. In 2024, Alibaba reported revenues of $130.35 billion, reflecting its substantial influence in the global e-commerce sector. The company employs approximately 204,891 individuals, highlighting its extensive operations. Alibaba’s headquarters are located in Hangzhou, China, serving as the central hub for its diverse business activities.

Costco

Costco Wholesale Corporation, founded by James Sinegal and Jeffrey Brotman on September 15, 1983, in Seattle, Washington, operates a chain of membership-only warehouse clubs. The company offers a wide range of products, from groceries to electronics, both in-store and through its online platform. In 2024, Costco reported revenues of $242.3 billion, making it one of the world’s largest retailers. The company employs approximately 333,000 individuals globally, reflecting its extensive operations. Costco’s headquarters are located in Issaquah, Washington, serving as the central hub for its global activities.

Home Depot

Home Depot, established on February 6, 1978, by Bernard Marcus, Arthur Blank, Ron Brill, Pat Farrah, and Ken Langone, is a leading American home improvement retailer. The company offers a wide range of products, including tools, construction materials, and appliances, catering to both DIY enthusiasts and professional contractors. In 2023, Home Depot reported revenues of $157.4 billion, reflecting its significant market presence. The company employs approximately 463,100 individuals as of January 2024, underscoring its extensive operations. Headquartered in unincorporated Cobb County, Georgia, Home Depot operates over 2,300 stores across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

Walgreens Boots Alliance

Walgreens Boots Alliance, formed on December 31, 2014, through the merger of Walgreens and Alliance Boots, is a global leader in retail pharmacy. The company operates a vast network of pharmacies and health and wellness stores, providing a range of products and services to meet diverse customer needs. In fiscal year 2022, Walgreens Boots Alliance reported revenues of $132.7 billion, highlighting its substantial role in the healthcare sector. The company employs approximately 312,000 individuals worldwide, reflecting its extensive reach. Headquartered in Deerfield, Illinois, Walgreens Boots Alliance operates over 12,700 locations across nine countries.

Ahold Delhaize

Ahold Delhaize, a Dutch-Belgian multinational retail and wholesaling company, was formed on July 25, 2016, through the merger of Ahold and Delhaize Group. The company operates a variety of supermarket and e-commerce brands, serving millions of customers across Europe, the United States, and Indonesia. In 2022, Ahold Delhaize reported revenues of €87 billion, underscoring its significant market presence. The company employs approximately 414,000 individuals, reflecting its extensive operations. Headquartered in Zaandam, Netherlands, Ahold Delhaize operates over 7,900 stores worldwide.

Carrefour

Carrefour, founded on January 1, 1958, by Marcel Fournier, Denis Defforey, and Jacques Defforey, is a French multinational retail corporation. The company operates a chain of hypermarkets, supermarkets, and convenience stores, offering a wide range of products to customers globally. In 2023, Carrefour reported revenues of $87.4 billion, highlighting its substantial role in the retail sector. The company employs approximately 321,000 individuals worldwide, reflecting its extensive operations. Headquartered in Massy, France, Carrefour operates over 12,000 stores across more than 30 countries.

Seven & I Holdings (7-Eleven)

Seven & I Holdings, established on September 1, 2005, is a Japanese diversified retail group. The company operates the 7-Eleven convenience store chain, along with other retail businesses, providing a wide range of products and services to customers worldwide. In 2023, Seven & I Holdings reported revenues of $87.3 billion, underscoring its significant market presence. The company employs approximately 53,000 individuals, reflecting its extensive operations. Headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, Seven & I Holdings operates over 71,000 stores across 17 countries.

IKEA

IKEA, founded on July 28, 1943, by Ingvar Kamprad in Sweden, is a multinational conglomerate specializing in ready-to-assemble furniture, kitchen appliances, and home accessories. The company is renowned for its modernist designs and eco-friendly simplicity. In fiscal year 2024, IKEA reported revenues of €45.1 billion, reflecting its substantial role in the home furnishings market. The company employs approximately 231,000 individuals worldwide, underscoring its extensive operations. Headquartered in Leiden, Netherlands, IKEA operates 473 stores across 63 countries.

Best Buy

Best Buy, founded on August 22, 1966, by Richard M. Schulze and James Wheeler as Sound of Music, is an American multinational consumer electronics retailer. The company offers a wide range of products, including electronics, appliances, and tech services, catering to diverse customer needs. In fiscal year 2024, Best Buy reported revenues of $46.3 billion, highlighting its significant market presence. The company employs approximately 105,000 individuals, reflecting its extensive operations. Headquartered in Richfield, Minnesota, Best Buy operates over 1,100 stores across the United States and Canada.

Tesco

Tesco, founded in 1919 by Jack Cohen, is a British multinational groceries and general merchandise retailer. The company offers a wide range of products and services, catering to diverse customer needs across various markets. In 2023, Tesco reported revenues of $81.1 billion, underscoring its significant role in the retail sector. The company employs approximately 354,000 individuals worldwide, reflecting its extensive operations. Headquartered in Welwyn Garden City, Hertfordshire, England, Tesco operates over 6,800 stores across 11 countries.

Target

Target Corporation, established on June 24, 1902, by George Dayton, is a prominent American retail company headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The company operates nearly 2,000 stores across the United States, offering a diverse range of products, including clothing, home goods, electronics, and groceries. In the fiscal year ending February 3, 2024, Target reported revenues of $107.41 billion, reflecting its significant presence in the retail sector. The company employs approximately 415,000 individuals, underscoring its role as a major employer in the industry.

This article originally appeared on Rarest.org.