A new retail giant has taken over after 12 years—did you see this coming?
- Replies 1
For over a decade, one company has dominated the retail world, setting the standard for success and shaping the way we shop.
But now, after years of unchallenged supremacy, a major shift has upended the industry.
This unexpected change has left investors, analysts, and everyday consumers wondering what it means for the future of retail.
As shopping habits evolve and competition heats up, a new player has taken the top spot—one that many saw coming, yet few expected so soon.
For over a decade, Walmart has held the title of the world’s largest retailer, dominating the industry with its massive revenue and widespread reach. However, a new leader has emerged, marking a significant change in the retail landscape.
Amazon, the e-commerce giant, has officially surpassed Walmart in revenue, ending the retail giant’s 12-year reign.
This shift underscores the growing dominance of online shopping and the evolving nature of consumer behavior in a rapidly changing market.
Source: Cheddar / YouTube.
Amazon’s latest financial report revealed a staggering $187.8 billion in revenue for the final quarter of 2024, outpacing Walmart’s $180.6 billion in the same period.
Revenue, a key metric for measuring a retailer’s size, differs from profit and sales but serves as a clear indicator of market dominance.
Walmart had held the top spot since 2012 when it overtook Exxon Mobil as the highest-revenue company in the US.
However, Amazon’s rapid growth—driven by its e-commerce platform, cloud computing services, and diversified revenue streams—has finally propelled it past Walmart.
Following the announcement, Walmart’s stock dropped by 6%, reflecting investor concerns over slowing profit growth.
Despite increasing sales, the company warned that future growth may face challenges, particularly if new tariffs are introduced.
Walmart still maintains a dominant position in key categories, particularly grocery sales, where it remains the undisputed leader.
However, its online business continues to face stiff competition from Amazon, which has capitalized on shifting shopping habits and the continued rise of digital retail.
Source: The Wall Street Journal / YouTube
Amazon’s ability to surpass Walmart is largely due to its expanding revenue streams beyond traditional retail.
The company’s e-commerce sales have doubled in the US since 2019, driven by the pandemic’s impact on consumer behavior.
Additionally, Amazon Web Services (AWS) has been a major contributor to Amazon’s financial success.
Revenue from AWS has more than doubled since 2020, now accounting for 17% of Amazon’s total sales.
The combination of online shopping, cloud computing, and Prime Video has solidified Amazon’s position as a diversified and dominant player in the market.
Amazon’s rise to the top is a testament to its innovation in a rapidly evolving industry.
Retail expert Neil Saunders highlighted Amazon’s growth, stating, “It is still a young company, but its innovation and good thinking around how to deliver value for its customers have allowed it to succeed.”
Amazon now joins an elite group of companies—alongside Apple and UnitedHealth—that have achieved $100 billion in quarterly revenue, a milestone that reflects its growing influence in the global economy.
While Amazon now holds the title for highest quarterly revenue, Walmart remains a retail powerhouse.
The company continues to generate more than $600 billion in annual sales, proving that its dominance is far from over.
Walmart is also heavily investing in e-commerce and technology to compete with Amazon, particularly in the grocery sector, where it still maintains a clear advantage.
As retail continues to evolve, the competition between these two giants is far from settled.
Also read: Walmart revamps over 2,000 stores: What’s new for your shopping experience
Amazon’s rise to the top marks a new era in the retail industry. But will Walmart make a comeback? Or will Amazon continue to dominate? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
But now, after years of unchallenged supremacy, a major shift has upended the industry.
This unexpected change has left investors, analysts, and everyday consumers wondering what it means for the future of retail.
As shopping habits evolve and competition heats up, a new player has taken the top spot—one that many saw coming, yet few expected so soon.
For over a decade, Walmart has held the title of the world’s largest retailer, dominating the industry with its massive revenue and widespread reach. However, a new leader has emerged, marking a significant change in the retail landscape.
Amazon, the e-commerce giant, has officially surpassed Walmart in revenue, ending the retail giant’s 12-year reign.
This shift underscores the growing dominance of online shopping and the evolving nature of consumer behavior in a rapidly changing market.
Source: Cheddar / YouTube.
Amazon’s latest financial report revealed a staggering $187.8 billion in revenue for the final quarter of 2024, outpacing Walmart’s $180.6 billion in the same period.
Revenue, a key metric for measuring a retailer’s size, differs from profit and sales but serves as a clear indicator of market dominance.
Walmart had held the top spot since 2012 when it overtook Exxon Mobil as the highest-revenue company in the US.
However, Amazon’s rapid growth—driven by its e-commerce platform, cloud computing services, and diversified revenue streams—has finally propelled it past Walmart.
Following the announcement, Walmart’s stock dropped by 6%, reflecting investor concerns over slowing profit growth.
Despite increasing sales, the company warned that future growth may face challenges, particularly if new tariffs are introduced.
Walmart still maintains a dominant position in key categories, particularly grocery sales, where it remains the undisputed leader.
However, its online business continues to face stiff competition from Amazon, which has capitalized on shifting shopping habits and the continued rise of digital retail.
Source: The Wall Street Journal / YouTube
Amazon’s ability to surpass Walmart is largely due to its expanding revenue streams beyond traditional retail.
The company’s e-commerce sales have doubled in the US since 2019, driven by the pandemic’s impact on consumer behavior.
Additionally, Amazon Web Services (AWS) has been a major contributor to Amazon’s financial success.
Revenue from AWS has more than doubled since 2020, now accounting for 17% of Amazon’s total sales.
The combination of online shopping, cloud computing, and Prime Video has solidified Amazon’s position as a diversified and dominant player in the market.
Amazon’s rise to the top is a testament to its innovation in a rapidly evolving industry.
Retail expert Neil Saunders highlighted Amazon’s growth, stating, “It is still a young company, but its innovation and good thinking around how to deliver value for its customers have allowed it to succeed.”
Amazon now joins an elite group of companies—alongside Apple and UnitedHealth—that have achieved $100 billion in quarterly revenue, a milestone that reflects its growing influence in the global economy.
While Amazon now holds the title for highest quarterly revenue, Walmart remains a retail powerhouse.
The company continues to generate more than $600 billion in annual sales, proving that its dominance is far from over.
Walmart is also heavily investing in e-commerce and technology to compete with Amazon, particularly in the grocery sector, where it still maintains a clear advantage.
As retail continues to evolve, the competition between these two giants is far from settled.
Also read: Walmart revamps over 2,000 stores: What’s new for your shopping experience
