Walmart leads annual ranking of top 50 global retailers

Two U.S.-based retail giants took the top spots in an annual ranking of the top 50 global retailers based on their operational performance as of the start of 2023.

Walmart maintained its top ranking in the National Retail Federation’s “2024 Top 50 Global Retailers” report, with Amazon taking the No. 2 spot. There was no movement among the Top 10 retailers from 2023 to 2024 in the ranking, which was conducted by Kantar. (See list of top 25 global retailers at end of article).

The NRF noted that Walmart maintained its top spot with a robust online presence and a variety of new financial resources for shoppers. It also noted that Walmart+ advertising platform continues to expand outside the U.S. 

“For most companies in this ranking, retail sales and profits grew even as shoppers changed their work and personal routines and the channels they shopped," David Marcotte, senior VP of global insights and technology. "Shoppers in 2023 repeatedly said they needed more convenience from retailers, and the brands that focused on convenience were successful." 

Here are the top 25 global retailers* (for more information and to see the complete list, click here):

1. Walmart (U.S.)
2. Amazon (U.S.)
3. Schwarz Group (Germany)
4. Aldi (Germany)
5. Costco Wholesale Corp.(U.S.)
6. Ahold Delhaize (Netherlands)
7. Carrefour (France) 
8. Seven & I (Japan)
9. The Home Depot (U.S.)
10. Ikea (Netherlands)
11. Walgreens Boots Alliance (U.S.)
12. Rewe (German)
13. Apple (U.S.)
14. Inditex (Spain)
15. Casino (France)
16. Alibaba (China)
17. AS Watson (Hong Kong)
18. Jeronimo Martins (Portugal)
19. Metro AG (Germany)
20. Tesco (U.K.)
21. H&M (Sweden)
22. Aeon (Japan)
23. TJX (U.S.)
24. Auchon (France)
25. Ceconomy (Germany)

Source: Kantar Retail 

Kantar’s ranking system gives points to retailers according to their domestic and international retail revenues. To qualify for the ranking, retailers must have a direct investment in at least three countries.

See more on the methodology, and access insights from Kantar on how retail’s top companies are innovating here.