Ecommerce Trends 2024-2025: See the Largest Online Retailer, Top Marketplaces & Biggest Sales Growth
The ecommerce industry is evolving at a rapid pace, with online marketplaces reshaping how people buy and sell products globally. Amazon.com has long been considered the largest online retailer, but is it still leading the ecommerce market in 2024 and 2025?
With increasing competition from Walmart, Alibaba Group, eBay, Tmall, and other global marketplaces, the digital commerce landscape is shifting. Retail sales have grown substantially, and businesses must stay ahead of ecommerce trends to remain competitive.
Key Takeaways From This Article:
✔️ Amazon’s position in the ecommerce industry vs. competitors like Walmart and Alibaba
✔️ The top online marketplaces leading sales growth in 2025
✔️ The biggest trends shaping global ecommerce
✔️ Why third-party merchants and brands are shifting towards alternative platforms
✔️ How Shopify is emerging as a better ecommerce solution for businesses
Let’s take a deep dive into the industry’s future and see where Amazon, Walmart, and other ecommerce giants stand in the competition for global dominance.
The Evolution of Ecommerce – How Marketplaces Became the Future of Retail
The Rise of Digital Commerce and Online Marketplaces
Over the last two decades, ecommerce sales have skyrocketed, transforming retail from a physical store experience to a digital-first industry. Consumers now prefer to shop online due to:
Why Marketplaces Are Dominating the Ecommerce Industry
Unlike traditional retail companies, online marketplaces allow third-party merchants to sell products without holding inventory themselves. This business model has revolutionized ecommerce, helping companies like Amazon, Walmart, and eBay expand rapidly.
✅ Amazon leads in total ecommerce revenue, but Alibaba and Walmart are quickly catching up
✅ Tmall and Taobao dominate Asia’s ecommerce market, attracting billions of online shoppers
✅ eBay and Best Buy remain strong retail competitors in North America and Europe
✅ Global marketplaces are expanding, allowing sellers to reach a worldwide customer base
As the industry continues to grow, businesses must adapt to ecommerce trends and innovate to stay ahead.
Is Amazon Still the Largest Online Retailer? A Billion-Dollar Showdown
Amazon vs. Walmart vs. Alibaba – Who is Leading in 2025?
While Amazon.com remains the largest online retailer in North America, its global dominance is being challenged by Alibaba Group, Walmart, and emerging competitors. Let’s break it down:
Amazon’s Strengths:
✔️ Massive Product Selection – Millions of products across multiple categories
✔️ Prime Membership – Over 200 million subscribers worldwide
✔️ Fast & Reliable Shipping – One-day and same-day delivery expanding
✔️ Strong Revenue Growth – 2024 ecommerce sales exceeded $638 billion
Amazon’s Weaknesses:
⚠️ Regulatory Challenges – Increased scrutiny in the U.S. and Europe
⚠️ More Competition – Walmart, eBay, Tmall, and Best Buy expanding their digital commerce efforts
⚠️ Seller Dependence on Amazon’s Rules – Many third-party merchants seeking alternative platforms
Walmart’s Ecommerce Growth – Closing the Gap with Amazon
Walmart Marketplace has aggressively expanded, investing in third-party sellers and fast-shipping programs similar to Amazon Prime. Walmart’s ecommerce revenue reached $123 billion in 2024, making it Amazon’s top competitor in the U.S.
Alibaba Group & Tmall – Dominating the Asian Ecommerce Market
Alibaba Group, Taobao, and Tmall have surpassed Amazon in GMV (Gross Merchandise Value), with 2024 online marketplace sales exceeding $1.48 trillion. Alibaba’s strength comes from:
✔️ A massive presence in Asia
✔️ A focus on both B2B and B2C ecommerce
✔️ A fast-growing seller network in Europe and North America
While Amazon remains the #1 retailer by revenue, Alibaba and Walmart are quickly gaining ground in global marketplaces.
The 7 Biggest Ecommerce Trends That Will Grow Online Marketplaces in 2025
1. AI-Driven Personalization
🔹 Marketplaces like Amazon and Walmart use AI to predict buying behavior and suggest products consumers are most likely to purchase.
2. The Rise of Social Commerce (TikTok, Instagram, and Livestream Shopping)
🔹 Platforms like TikTok Shop and Instagram Shopping are merging social media with ecommerce, creating a new way to sell products directly to consumers.
3. Faster and More Affordable Shipping Options
🔹 Amazon Prime, Walmart+, and Alibaba Group are investing heavily in same-day delivery and logistics networks.
4. Sustainable Ecommerce & Eco-Friendly Shopping
🔹 Consumers are demanding lower-carbon footprint shopping options, pushing retailers to adopt sustainable packaging and supply chains.
5. The Growth of B2B Ecommerce
🔹 Platforms like Alibaba.com and Amazon Business are driving B2B ecommerce growth, helping businesses buy and sell products in bulk.
6. Subscription-Based Commerce & Loyalty Programs
🔹 Amazon Prime, Walmart+, and Best Buy TotalTech are offering exclusive deals to lock in customer loyalty.
7. The Expansion of Global Marketplaces
🔹 Cross-border selling is booming, making it easier for brands to sell worldwide through platforms like Tmall, Taobao, and JD.com.
Why Shopify Might Be a Better Ecommerce Solution
While Amazon, Walmart, and Alibaba Group dominate ecommerce sales, many brands and third-party merchants areturning to Shopify to build independent online stores.
Advantages of Using Shopify Over Online Marketplaces:
✅ More Control – Own your brand, website, and pricing strategy
✅ No Marketplace Fees – Avoid Amazon and Walmart’s high commission rates
✅ Customization – Build a unique shopping experience tailored to your business
✅ Direct Customer Relationships – Unlike marketplaces, you can collect customer data and build loyalty programs
While Amazon, eBay, and Tmall offer huge reach, Shopify provides more freedom for businesses looking to grow independently in the digital commerce industry.
Conclusion – Who Will Be the Largest Online Retailer in 2025?
Which platform will dominate global commerce by 2025? Only time will tell! 🚀
The ecommerce industry is evolving at a rapid pace, with online marketplaces reshaping how people buy and sell products globally. Amazon.com has long been considered the largest online retailer, but is it still leading the ecommerce market in 2024 and 2025?
With increasing competition from Walmart, Alibaba Group, eBay, Tmall, and other global marketplaces, the digital commerce landscape is shifting. Retail sales have grown substantially, and businesses must stay ahead of ecommerce trends to remain competitive.
Key Takeaways From This Article:
✔️ Amazon’s position in the ecommerce industry vs. competitors like Walmart and Alibaba
✔️ The top online marketplaces leading sales growth in 2025
✔️ The biggest trends shaping global ecommerce
✔️ Why third-party merchants and brands are shifting towards alternative platforms
✔️ How Shopify is emerging as a better ecommerce solution for businesses
Let’s take a deep dive into the industry’s future and see where Amazon, Walmart, and other ecommerce giants stand in the competition for global dominance.
The Evolution of Ecommerce – How Marketplaces Became the Future of Retail
The Rise of Digital Commerce and Online Marketplaces
Over the last two decades, ecommerce sales have skyrocketed, transforming retail from a physical store experience to a digital-first industry. Consumers now prefer to shop online due to:
- Convenience – Shopping from home with fast delivery options
- Variety – Access to millions of products across global marketplaces
- Competitive pricing – More choices mean lower prices for buyers
- Personalized recommendations – AI-driven platforms like Amazon and Alibaba show users exactly what they want
Why Marketplaces Are Dominating the Ecommerce Industry
Unlike traditional retail companies, online marketplaces allow third-party merchants to sell products without holding inventory themselves. This business model has revolutionized ecommerce, helping companies like Amazon, Walmart, and eBay expand rapidly.
✅ Amazon leads in total ecommerce revenue, but Alibaba and Walmart are quickly catching up
✅ Tmall and Taobao dominate Asia’s ecommerce market, attracting billions of online shoppers
✅ eBay and Best Buy remain strong retail competitors in North America and Europe
✅ Global marketplaces are expanding, allowing sellers to reach a worldwide customer base
As the industry continues to grow, businesses must adapt to ecommerce trends and innovate to stay ahead.
Is Amazon Still the Largest Online Retailer? A Billion-Dollar Showdown
Amazon vs. Walmart vs. Alibaba – Who is Leading in 2025?
While Amazon.com remains the largest online retailer in North America, its global dominance is being challenged by Alibaba Group, Walmart, and emerging competitors. Let’s break it down:
Amazon’s Strengths:
✔️ Massive Product Selection – Millions of products across multiple categories
✔️ Prime Membership – Over 200 million subscribers worldwide
✔️ Fast & Reliable Shipping – One-day and same-day delivery expanding
✔️ Strong Revenue Growth – 2024 ecommerce sales exceeded $638 billion
Amazon’s Weaknesses:
⚠️ Regulatory Challenges – Increased scrutiny in the U.S. and Europe
⚠️ More Competition – Walmart, eBay, Tmall, and Best Buy expanding their digital commerce efforts
⚠️ Seller Dependence on Amazon’s Rules – Many third-party merchants seeking alternative platforms
Walmart’s Ecommerce Growth – Closing the Gap with Amazon
Walmart Marketplace has aggressively expanded, investing in third-party sellers and fast-shipping programs similar to Amazon Prime. Walmart’s ecommerce revenue reached $123 billion in 2024, making it Amazon’s top competitor in the U.S.
Alibaba Group & Tmall – Dominating the Asian Ecommerce Market
Alibaba Group, Taobao, and Tmall have surpassed Amazon in GMV (Gross Merchandise Value), with 2024 online marketplace sales exceeding $1.48 trillion. Alibaba’s strength comes from:
✔️ A massive presence in Asia
✔️ A focus on both B2B and B2C ecommerce
✔️ A fast-growing seller network in Europe and North America
While Amazon remains the #1 retailer by revenue, Alibaba and Walmart are quickly gaining ground in global marketplaces.
The 7 Biggest Ecommerce Trends That Will Grow Online Marketplaces in 2025
1. AI-Driven Personalization
🔹 Marketplaces like Amazon and Walmart use AI to predict buying behavior and suggest products consumers are most likely to purchase.
2. The Rise of Social Commerce (TikTok, Instagram, and Livestream Shopping)
🔹 Platforms like TikTok Shop and Instagram Shopping are merging social media with ecommerce, creating a new way to sell products directly to consumers.
3. Faster and More Affordable Shipping Options
🔹 Amazon Prime, Walmart+, and Alibaba Group are investing heavily in same-day delivery and logistics networks.
4. Sustainable Ecommerce & Eco-Friendly Shopping
🔹 Consumers are demanding lower-carbon footprint shopping options, pushing retailers to adopt sustainable packaging and supply chains.
5. The Growth of B2B Ecommerce
🔹 Platforms like Alibaba.com and Amazon Business are driving B2B ecommerce growth, helping businesses buy and sell products in bulk.
6. Subscription-Based Commerce & Loyalty Programs
🔹 Amazon Prime, Walmart+, and Best Buy TotalTech are offering exclusive deals to lock in customer loyalty.
7. The Expansion of Global Marketplaces
🔹 Cross-border selling is booming, making it easier for brands to sell worldwide through platforms like Tmall, Taobao, and JD.com.
Why Shopify Might Be a Better Ecommerce Solution
While Amazon, Walmart, and Alibaba Group dominate ecommerce sales, many brands and third-party merchants areturning to Shopify to build independent online stores.
Advantages of Using Shopify Over Online Marketplaces:
✅ More Control – Own your brand, website, and pricing strategy
✅ No Marketplace Fees – Avoid Amazon and Walmart’s high commission rates
✅ Customization – Build a unique shopping experience tailored to your business
✅ Direct Customer Relationships – Unlike marketplaces, you can collect customer data and build loyalty programs
While Amazon, eBay, and Tmall offer huge reach, Shopify provides more freedom for businesses looking to grow independently in the digital commerce industry.
Conclusion – Who Will Be the Largest Online Retailer in 2025?
- Amazon remains the leader, but Walmart and Alibaba are catching up fast.
- The ecommerce industry will continue to grow, with trends like AI, social commerce, and B2B sales shaping the future.
- Shopify is a powerful alternative, giving businesses more control over their brand and revenue.
Which platform will dominate global commerce by 2025? Only time will tell! 🚀