Top E-Commerce stores by industries in 2019

E-commerce, web retail, shopping sites – all these things have one thing in common; buying and selling goods over the Internet. There is nothing strange about it. Every day, we all use the Internet to buy, and less often, to sell things. This is why running e-commerce websites is a very profitable and dynamic business. So here, we have prepared the ultimate e-commerce websites list just for you! 1. Introduction 

In this article, we will have a closer look at the top e-commerce companies in ten different industries, from probably the biggest online electronics store, Amazon, all the way down to office supplies retailers and classifieds websites, like Craigslist. Enjoy reading! 2. The Retail Industry

This category is very broad. However, we have decided to put here the largest e-commerce companies that sell everything and not just focus on one sector or are leading in only a few categories. Right now, let’s have a look at some of the most famous stores in the world and their retail sites, like Walmart and Target.

2.1 Walmart.com

logo owner: Walmart Walmart Inc. is the largest company in the world by revenue. This American corporation was founded in 1962 by Sam Walton. Now, it is a chain of hypermarkets, discount departure stores, and grocery stores – 11,368 of them in total. The domain Walmart.com, which was launched in 2000, is the biggest online marketplace in the US. Revenue: $500B (2018) Employees: 2.2 million (2018)  Country of origin: US Year of foundation: 1962 President & CEO: Doug McMillon Sector: Retail

2.2 Target

logo owner: Target Target Corporation is among the top e-commerce companies in the US. The corporation currently operates 1,851 stores. Target has had an online presence since 1999, while it has developed a mobile digital coupon app, and in 2017, it introduced an online delivery system “Drive-Up” where customers can collect their order outside the store. Revenue: $75.356B (2019) Employees: 360,000 (2019)  Country of origin: US Year of foundation: 1902 Chairman & CEO: Brian C. Cornell Sector: Retail

2.3 Costco

logo owner: Costco Costco is the third-largest retailer in the US according to STORES Top 100 Retailers ranking. The retailer operates a chain of membership-only warehouse clubs. The company started in 1983; as of 2019, Costco had a total of 770 warehouses: close to 70% of them are in the United States. The company started its online shopping site in 2001, which is now among the top e-commerce sites in the USA. In selected states, Instacart offers paid Costco delivery. Revenue: $141.6B (2018)  Employees: 245,000 (2018) Country of origin: US Year of foundation: 1976 President & CEO: W. Craig Jelinek  Sector: Retail 3. The Technology Industry

The Technology Industry wouldn’t be the same without e-commerce and retail sites. Phones, computers, intelligent systems, and other devices, as well as various services, all need access to the internet. Here we have the two top e-commerce retailers in the category, Amazon, and Apple.

3.1 Amazon

logo owner: Amazon Amazon is the world’s largest e-commerce marketplace. The company is hands down the biggest online electronics store, and this is what the company is most recognized from, but Amazon is also among leading retailers of anything, really. Amazon.com was a thing the moment the company was launched in 1994. Through Amazon Prime, subscribers can enjoy free two-day delivery, two hour delivery for a fee through Prime Now, streaming music and video, and others. Revenue: $232.887 B (2018) Employees: 647,500 Country of origin: US Year of foundation: 1994 CEO: Jeff Bezos Sector: Cloud computing, E-commerce, Artificial intelligence, Consumer electronics, Digital distribution

3.2 Apple

logo owner: Apple Apple is considered one of the top online electronics retailers, along with technology giants like Amazon, Google, and Facebook. The list of the company’s flagship products is endless and includes iPhone, Ipad, Mac, Apple Watch, Apple TV, and services like iTunes Store, the world’s largest music retailer. So far, Apple has opened over 500 stores all over the globe. Revenue: $265.595B (2018) Employees: 132,000 (2018) Country of origin: US Year of foundation: 1976 CEO: Tim Cook Chairman: Arthur D. Levinson Sector: Computer hardware, Computer software, Consumer electronics, Cloud computing, Digital distribution, Fabless silicon design, Semiconductors, Financial technology. 4. The Telecommunication Industry

The Telecommunication Industry is based on telecommunication and telephone companies as well as internet providers. The telecommunicating process involves many different technologies and media, like the internet, radio, and television. Here we have the two giant companies that offer all these services.

4.1 Verizon Wireless

logo owner: Verizon Verizon Wireless was created in 2000 and is a subsidiary of Verizon Communications. It offers wireless products and services, like cable television, landline mobile phone, broadband, digital television, digital media Internet, and more. The company is the largest wireless telecommunications provider in the US, and its 4G LTE network covers nearly 98% of the US population (!). Revenue: $130.86B (2018) (Verizon Communications) Employees: 139,400 (2019) (Verizon Communications) Country of origin: US Year of foundation: 2000 CEO: Ronan Dunne  Sector: Telecommunications

4.2 AT&T

logo owner: AT&T Inc.

AT&T Inc. is an American conglomerate holding company. Through AT&T Communications, AT&T is the largest provider of mobile telephone and fixed telephone services in the United States, as well as the largest telecommunications company in the world. Since the acquisition of the conglomerate WarnerMedia, AT&T has become the world’s largest M&E company and the 9th company in the US by total revenue.

Revenue: $170.8B (2018)

Employees: 268,220 (2018)

Country of origin: US

Year of foundation: 1885

CEO: Randall L. Stephenson

Sector: Retail, Telecommunications

5. The Furniture Industry

This industry needs companies that design, manufacture, and distribute furniture. In the more advanced regions of the globe, like in Europe or the US, the sector is largely characterized by mass-production and online retail. Let’s have a look and find out what’s the top online marketplace for furniture sale.

5.1 IKEA

logo owner: Ikea IKEA specializes in ready-to-assemble furniture, kitchen appliances, and home decorations, among many other goods. Continuously since 2008, IKEA has been the largest retailer in the furniture industry. The company owns over 400 stores across 50 countries. Impressively, there are about 12,000 items on the IKEA’s website, which makes it probably the best place to buy household items online. Revenue: €37.05B (2018) Employees: 208,000 Country of origin: Sweden Year of foundation: 1943 CEO: Jesper Brodin Sector: Retail

5.2 Williams-Sonoma

logo owner: Williams Sonoma California Williams-Sonoma sells kitchenware and furnishing. The company is among the largest e-commerce retailers in the United States and is one of the world’s biggest multi-channel specialty retailers. Williams-Sonoma was launched in 1956; the company now operates over 600 stores and has developed eight brands, such as Pottery Barn, West-elm, Rejuvenation, and more. The company has also launched separate websites for each of these brands. Revenue: $4.4B (2014) Employees: 19,350 (2017) Country of origin: US Year of foundation: 1956 CEO: Laura Alber Sector: Retail, E-Commerce

5.3 Pier 1 Imports

logo owner: Pier 1 Imports Pier 1 Imports, as the name implies, deals in imported furniture and decor, like home accessories and seasonal decoration. The retailer sells items that are imported or co-created with foreign designers or wholly produced by Pier 1. The first store was opened in 1962, and now the chain owns over 970 stores in the United States and Canada. Revenue: $1.828B (2016) Employees: 13,500 (2016) Country of origin: US Year of foundation: 1962 CEO: Cheryl Bachelder Sector: Retail, E-commerce 6. The Home Improvement Industry

The home improvement market runs on companies that sell all of the necessary hardware and provides services and people that upgrade home interior and exterior, do maintenance work and other projects and additions, like safety measures and energy-saving improvements.

6.1 The Home Depot Inc.

logo owner: Home Depot Home Depot is the leading home improvement company in the US. The retailer is among the largest suppliers of tools, construction products, and related services. Home Depot’s website attracts millions of visitors each year, though it cannot be accessed by people from different regions than the country in which the brand is operating. The company ranked 23rd in terms of total revenue out of all US corporations. Revenue: $108.2B (2018) Employees: 400,000 (2018) Country of origin: US Year of foundation: 1978 Chairman & CEO: Craig Menear Sector: Retail

6.2 Lowe’s 

logo owner: Lowe’s The company was founded back in 1921. After years of development and acquisitions, Lowe’s has become the 2nd largest chain of home improvement stores in North America. The company is now the 40th-largest company in the United States by total revenue. Revenue: $68.619B (2018) Employees: 300 (2018) Country of origin: US Year of foundation: 1921 CEO: Marvin Ellison Sector: Retail

6.3 Menards 

logo owner: Menards Inc. Menard Inc. is the third chain of home improvement stores we present on our list. Currently, the chain operates 350 stores across 14 states. J.D. Power has ranked Menard as the best in providing customer satisfaction out of all home improvement retail stores. Just like it is on our list, Menard is the third-largest chain in the USA, right after Home Depot and Lowe’s. Revenue: $10B (2017) Employees: 45,000 (2017) Country of origin: US  Year of foundation: 1960 President: John Menard Jr. Sector: Retail 7. The Arts and Crafts Industry

The arts and crafts sector encompasses businesses that manufacture and sell products and tools used by consumers to creatively spend their time on hobbies like home decorating, jewelry making, playing with fabrics, and more.

7.1 Michaels Stores 

logo owner: Michaels Stores The Michaels Stores Companies, Inc. is considered to be the largest provider of arts, crafts and various types of decor in North America and a paradise for anyone into DIY. The company operates more than 1,250 stores in total, including Michaels Stores and the stores Aaron Brothers Custom Framing, Artistree, and Darice. The company’s website offers custom framing service and online resources for do-it-yourself projects. Revenue: $5.2B (2018) Employees: 12,000 Country of origin: US Year of foundation: 2013 CEO: Chuck Rubin Sector: Retail, wholesale arts, crafts, etc.

7.2 Hobby Lobby

logo owner: Hobby Lobby Hobby Lobby is an industry-leading chain of arts and crafts stores. The first store opened in 1972. Since the 1990s, the number of stores has multiplied. Now Hobby Lobby has over 800 stores nationwide. The company’s website is inaccessible for servers outside of the countries the brand is sold. Revenue: $4.3B (2016) Employees: 32,000 (2018) Country of origin: US Year of foundation: 1972 CEO: David Green  President: Steve Green  Sector: Retail

7.3 Jo-Ann Stores

logo owner: JoAnns Jo-Ann Stores operates the chains JOANN Fabrics and Crafts and Jo-Ann Etc. The company’s stores operate in nearly all states, while the products can be shipped via the online store to any state. Some stores organize knitting, crochet, sewing, and many other classes for customers. Revenue: $2.3B (2016) Employees: 23,000 Country of origin: US Year of foundation: 1943 CEO: Wade Miquelon Sector: Retail, Crafts, and Fabrics 8. The Office Supplies Industry

Ecommerce companies really thrive when it comes to office supplies. These types of products are very popular, with the main targets being office spaces and schools. Online retailers offer free shipping or discounts when buying more pieces. Also, the range of items is enormous, and the market for stationery is very dynamic and diverse, as trends largely influence this sector.

8.1 Staples

logo owner: Staples Inc. Staples Inc. is a leading office supply producer and distributor. The company started out in 1986. Through multiple acquisitions during the years, the retailer has grown to be the best place for shopping office supplies. Facing competition from e-commerce market, Staples has started to sell its stationery and other goods via B2B delivery and supply system apart from its main retail channels.
Revenue: $20.217B (2016) Employees: 61,503 (2016) Country of origin: US Year of foundation: 1986 CEO: J. Alexander Douglas
Sector: Retail

8.2 OfficeMax

logo owner: OfficeMax OfficeMax was created in 1988. Since 2013, it has been a subsidiary of Office Depot. That merge resulted in the largest US office supplies chain. OfficeMax still operates under its name as a brand and now owns nearly 1,000 stores in almost all US states and some territories. Revenue: $430.7M (2017) Employees: 1,152 Country of origin: US Year of foundation: 1988 CEO: Ravi Saligram Sector: Retail 9. The Cosmetic Industry

Also known as the personal care and beauty industry

9.1 Sephora

logo owner: Sephora Sephora is a French multinational chain of beauty and personal care stores. Sephora started in 1969 and has been owned by the luxury giant LVMH since 1997. The chain sells 300 brands as well as its private label. Sephora had no online presence in the US until 1999. Revenue: $4B (2013) Employees: 20,000 Country of origin: France  Year of foundation: 1969 CEO: Chris de Lapuente (Global president & CEO Sephora) Sector: Retail

9.2 Ulta Beauty

logo owner: Ulta Beauty Ulta Beauty Inc. is an American chain of beauty stores. The company sells a wide range of beauty products from cosmetics and skincare, haircare, and nail products to bath and body products and fragrances. Ulta Beauty owns nearly 1,200 stores in all 50 states. Revenue: $4.855B (2016) Employees: 24,200 (2017) Country of origin: US Year of foundation: 1990 CEO: Mary Dillon Sector: Retail 10. The Bookseller Industry

The Bookseller Industry has changed a lot since the Internet came into play. It is so because the retail and distribution of books can be carried out entirely through websites, such as Amazon or eBay. Online shopping allows booksellers to attract more interest through book sales and loyalty programs.

10.1 Barnes & Noble

logo owner: Barnes & Noble Barnes & Noble is the US’ largest national bookstore chain by the number of retail outlets. As of 2019, the chain owns exactly 627 stores across all 50 states. Each outlet is equipped with a café and sells not only books and press but also gifts, toys, music, and more. According to the most recent announcement, the company will be taken private by Elliott Management Corporation. Revenue: $3.552B (2019) Employees: 24,000 (2019) Country of origin: US Year of foundation: 1873 Chairman: Leonard Riggio Sector: Retail

10.2 Books-A-Million

logo owner: BAM! Books-A-Million (BAM!) is the second-largest bookstore chain in the US. The company operates 260 stores in 32 states. Similarly to Barnes & Noble, Books-A-Million’s stores also feature cafes and a variety of collectibles and gifts. The BAM! Company owns American Wholesale Book Company (ABWC) and the domain booksamillion.com, as well as two other companies, Yogurt Mountain Holding and Preferred Growth Properties. Revenue: $474.084M (2014) Employees: 5,400 (2014) Country of origin: US Year of foundation: 1917 CEO & President: Terrance G. Finley Sector: Retail, Entertainment 11. The Classified Advertisement Industry

When classified advertising began in the 1760s, classifieds used to be listed only in local newspapers or posted on boards. Now, we can enjoy classifieds websites that are far more convenient to look through and post your own ads; also the number of people posting and those interested, as well as the ads selections are way bigger.

11.1 Craigslist

logo owner: Craigslist Craigslist is a classified advertisements website. The service includes job offers, ads offering housing, services, items wanted, for sale, gigs, etc. The website was launched in 1995 by Craig Newmark and began attracting attention in the US cities and regions in the following five years. Today, the service includes 70 other countries. Since 2008, Craigslist has started to develop languages versions for its international visitors. Revenue: $694M (2016) Employees: 50 (2017) Country of origin: US Year of foundation: 1995 CEO: Jim Buckmaster Sector: Retail

11.2 Oodle

logo owner: Oodle Oodle currently holds the title of the biggest online marketplace. The service offers the most extensive collection of classified ads as it accumulates classifieds from national and local resources; Oddle obtains listings from sites like eBay, for example, along with local listings from local newspapers and websites. In total, Oodle covers over 1,000 regions in the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Ireland, and India. Revenue: $5M Employees: 30 Country of origin: US Year of foundation: 2004 CEO: Jonny Clayton Sector: Retail Conclusion

We hope you liked this e-commerce websites list. While you are still here, tell us what you think – which e-commerce companies are on the top right now? Answer in the comments below! If you’re interested, you can also read more articles on Datantify! Datanify is the largest provider of databases of international companies. Creating our databases, we carry out extensive research and tailor our findings to the clients’ needs. With our services, you don’t do your own research anymore, and save time and money!

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