Amazon surpasses Walmart as international’s most sensible venture in gross sales

Introduction

In a historic shift that has sent shockwaves through the global retail industry, Amazon has officially overtaken Walmart as the world’s largest company by sales. This milestone marks the end of Walmart’s 13-year reign at the top and signals a new era in commerce, where e-commerce giants are challenging traditional retail powerhouses. The announcement, made on February 23, 2026, has sparked widespread discussion about the future of retail, consumer behavior, and the strategies driving these two retail titans.

Key Points

Background

For over a decade, Walmart has held the title of the world’s largest company by sales, a position it secured in 2013 when it surpassed ExxonMobil. Based in Bentonville, Arkansas, Walmart built its dominance through a vast network of physical stores, competitive pricing, and a focus on everyday low prices. However, the rise of e-commerce and changing consumer habits have gradually shifted the retail landscape.

Amazon, founded by Jeff Bezos in 1994 as an online bookstore, has evolved into a global e-commerce and technology giant. Its relentless focus on customer experience, innovation, and expansion into new markets has propelled it to the forefront of the retail industry. By 2025, Amazon’s sales had grown to a level that allowed it to dethrone Walmart, marking a significant milestone in the company’s journey.

The Rise of E-Commerce

The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the shift toward online shopping, with consumers increasingly turning to e-commerce platforms for their needs. Amazon’s robust infrastructure, fast delivery options, and diverse product offerings positioned it as a leader in this space. Meanwhile, Walmart has also invested heavily in its e-commerce capabilities, recognizing the need to adapt to the digital age.

Analysis

The transition of the top spot from Walmart to Amazon reflects broader trends in the retail industry. E-commerce has become a dominant force, driven by convenience, technological advancements, and changing consumer expectations. Amazon’s success can be attributed to its customer-centric approach, innovative technologies like Alexa and Prime, and its ability to scale rapidly across global markets.

Walmart, on the other hand, has faced challenges in keeping pace with the digital transformation. While the company has made significant strides in enhancing its online presence, its traditional brick-and-mortar model has limited its agility in responding to the e-commerce boom. However, Walmart’s extensive physical footprint and strong supply chain remain valuable assets in the competitive retail landscape.

Strategic Moves by Amazon

Amazon’s rise to the top has been fueled by several strategic initiatives. The company’s Prime membership program, which offers fast shipping, streaming services, and exclusive deals, has been a key driver of customer loyalty. Additionally, Amazon’s investments in logistics, including its own delivery network and fulfillment centers, have enabled it to offer unparalleled convenience to shoppers.

Amazon’s diversification into cloud computing (AWS), entertainment (Prime Video), and smart home devices (Alexa) has also contributed to its growth. These ventures not only generate additional revenue but also strengthen Amazon’s ecosystem, making it an indispensable part of consumers’ lives.

Walmart’s Response

In response to Amazon’s dominance, Walmart has focused on enhancing its e-commerce capabilities and leveraging its physical stores as fulfillment centers. The company’s acquisition of Jet.com in 2016 and its partnership with Shopify are examples of its efforts to compete in the digital space. Walmart has also invested in grocery delivery and curbside pickup services, capitalizing on its strength in the grocery sector.

Despite these efforts, Walmart faces an uphill battle in closing the gap with Amazon. The latter’s technological prowess and customer-centric approach have set a high bar for competitors to match.

Practical Advice

For businesses looking to navigate the evolving retail landscape, there are several key takeaways from the Amazon-Walmart rivalry:

1. Embrace Digital Transformation: Invest in e-commerce platforms, mobile apps, and digital marketing to reach customers where they are.
2. Focus on Customer Experience: Prioritize convenience, personalization, and fast delivery to build customer loyalty.
3. Leverage Data Analytics: Use data to understand consumer behavior, optimize inventory, and tailor marketing strategies.
4. Expand Product Offerings: Diversify into complementary products and services to create a holistic shopping experience.
5. Build a Strong Supply Chain: Ensure efficient logistics and fulfillment to meet customer expectations for speed and reliability.

FAQ

Conclusion

The dethroning of Walmart by Amazon as the world’s largest company by sales marks a pivotal moment in the history of retail. It underscores the transformative power of e-commerce and the importance of adapting to technological advancements. As Amazon continues to innovate and expand, Walmart and other traditional retailers must find ways to stay relevant in an increasingly digital world. The rivalry between these two giants will undoubtedly drive further innovation and reshape the future of retail.

Sources

• Amazon Annual Report 2025
• Walmart Annual Report 2025
• Reuters: “Amazon Surpasses Walmart as World’s Largest Company by Sales”
• Forbes: “The Future of Retail: Lessons from Amazon and Walmart”
• Bloomberg: “E-Commerce Trends and Their Impact on Traditional Retail”