SurveysMar 17, 2022
NRF Predicts Strong Year for Retail Despite Rising PricesMajorsMar 24, 2022
These Are the Top 50 Retailers in the World, Says NRF
The National Retail Federation shared what makes the top-ranked companies so successful.
Walmart once again took the top spot on the National Retail Federation’s “Top 50 Global Retailers” list, released Wednesday. The list ranks companies based on domestic and international revenues, and retailers must be present in at least three countries to be considered.
New York—The National Retail Federation released its list of the top 50 global retailers Wednesday, and some familiar names were at the top.
The NRF works with Kantar Retail to create the list, ranking companies based on domestic and international retail revenues. Retailers need to have direct investments in at least three countries to make the cut.
The list also shares insights on what contributed to the success of the top-ranked companies.
A U.S. retailer—Walmart—was in the top spot, raking in $538.15 billion in revenue in 2021.
The NRF has published a list of the top retailers in the world for more than 20 years, said a spokesperson, narrowing it down to 50 in 2019. Walmart has consistently been No. 1.
In 2021, Walmart leveraged its logistical advantages to attract customers of varying income levels, said the NRF.
The ability to buy across platforms appealed to higher-income shoppers who may have otherwise shopped at Amazon.
To serve lower-income customers, Walmart expanded access to online shopping by offering affordable internet access. The company partnered with AT&T in May 2021 to offer low- or no-cost internet and wireless plans as part of the Emergency Broadband Benefit Program, an FCC program created to provide broadband access to those who can’t afford it as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Another U.S. retailer, Amazon.com, came in second place, with $330.2 billion in revenue last year.
The key to Amazon’s success has been expansion, moving into new markets in Latin America and Asia while also expanding its in-house logistics to fulfill orders quickly.
The company is bolstering its Amazon Web Services division by adding new products and services, and upping its physical store network, said the NRF.
It’s also showing off its technical know-how via its touchless “Just Walk Out” payment system available at its new Amazon Fresh stores and existing Amazon Go stores.
Related stories will be right here …
The NRF works with Kantar Retail to create the list, ranking companies based on domestic and international retail revenues. Retailers need to have direct investments in at least three countries to make the cut.
The list also shares insights on what contributed to the success of the top-ranked companies.
A U.S. retailer—Walmart—was in the top spot, raking in $538.15 billion in revenue in 2021.
The NRF has published a list of the top retailers in the world for more than 20 years, said a spokesperson, narrowing it down to 50 in 2019. Walmart has consistently been No. 1.
In 2021, Walmart leveraged its logistical advantages to attract customers of varying income levels, said the NRF.
The ability to buy across platforms appealed to higher-income shoppers who may have otherwise shopped at Amazon.
To serve lower-income customers, Walmart expanded access to online shopping by offering affordable internet access. The company partnered with AT&T in May 2021 to offer low- or no-cost internet and wireless plans as part of the Emergency Broadband Benefit Program, an FCC program created to provide broadband access to those who can’t afford it as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Another U.S. retailer, Amazon.com, came in second place, with $330.2 billion in revenue last year.
The key to Amazon’s success has been expansion, moving into new markets in Latin America and Asia while also expanding its in-house logistics to fulfill orders quickly.
The company is bolstering its Amazon Web Services division by adding new products and services, and upping its physical store network, said the NRF.
It’s also showing off its technical know-how via its touchless “Just Walk Out” payment system available at its new Amazon Fresh stores and existing Amazon Go stores.
Schwarz Group and Aldi, two Germany-based discount grocery store companies, took the third and fourth spots.
Schwarz Group, which owns Lidl and Kaufland grocery stores, is the largest retailer in Europe and the fourth largest in the world, said the NRF, with 2021 revenue totaling $158.58 billion.
The privately-held company is balancing store remodels in Western Europe while slowly growing its U.S. footprint, mainly in the mid-Atlantic states.
Like Amazon, it also has invested in bolstering its fulfillment capabilities, as well as growing its online presence.
Aldi’s keys to success are a common theme in the top five: investing in online growth, bolstering logistics and store expansion.
The No. 4 company, with 2021 revenue of $134.67 billion, is the strongest retailer in Central Europe, said the NRF, and one of the fastest-growing retailers in the United States, opening stores in new regions while also setting its sights on new markets like China.
“The company continues to integrate its global sourcing, international logistics and e-commerce operations into a highly standardized model,” said the NRF.
Costco came in fifth place, with 2021 revenue totaling $187.16 billion.
The value of the company’s membership model has grabbed the attention of international middle-class shoppers, said the NRF. The high member retention rate has given the company stable funds to open new warehouses and boost its e-commerce capabilities.
“Its low SKU count and rotating available product have worked in its favor within the tight international inventory environment. Costco is also reinvesting in services to enhance member value,” said the NRF.
The National Retail Federation also took a look at the challenges retailers faced in 2021, and how they were able to succeed in spite of those obstacles.
The apparel sector benefited from pent-up demand when malls and shopping districts reopened, but those dependent on imports faced an uphill battle trying to match 2020 levels.
A logistics slowdown, coupled with a shortage of packaging materials like plastic and aluminum, hampered food retailing.
Retailers across the board in most countries faced labor shortages, which took a toll on operating hours and service capabilities.
The inventory and labor issues were so widespread, however, that shoppers adjusted to them and continued spending, but not at the same level as 2020.
The NRF and Kantar said they are keeping an eye on the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine and its impact on global retail.
The full list of the top 50 global retailers can be found on the NRF’s website.
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
More on Majors
The Latest
CollectionsFeb 21, 2025
Piece of the Week: Jade Ruzzo’s ‘Tennessee’ Oval Drop EarringsHeidi Gardner, an SNL cast member, wore the smoky quartz earrings on the “SNL50: The Anniversary Special” red carpet on Sunday.
SourcingFeb 21, 2025
Zambia Lifts 15% Export Duty on Gemstones, Metals The reversal comes less than two months after the Zambian government reinstated the tax in an effort to bring in more money.
SourcingFeb 20, 2025
Anglo Writes Down Value of De Beers by $2.9B As anticipated, Anglo took another impairment charge on the diamond miner and marketer, which saw revenue sink 23 percent in 2024.
Brought to you by
Get Ready for the JA New York Spring ShowThis year will feature a new MJSA Showcase and partnership with Piazza Italia.
SourcingFeb 20, 2025
Harry Winston’s Son Donates Fancy Red Diamond to the SmithsonianRonald Winston is giving the 2.33-carat “Winston Red” to the Smithsonian, 67 years after his father donated the Hope Diamond.
Weekly QuizFeb 21, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
SourcingFeb 20, 2025
GJEPC Names New Chairman, Vice ChairmanKirit Bhansali, a partner in Smital Gems and chairman of India Jewellery Park, will take on the role of chairman.
IndependentsFeb 20, 2025
IJO Elects 4 New Board MembersAlisha Cornett, Nic Faini, Eric Stevens, and Seth Shipley have joined the organization’s board of directors for a three-year term.
Brought to you by
3 Ways to Capitalize on America’s Newfound Love of Colored GemsColored stones are stepping into a jewelry spotlight typically reserved for diamonds—are you ready to sell color?
CrimeFeb 19, 2025
Brink’s to Pay $42M After Admitting to Illegally Transporting MoneyThe company has to pay the Justice Department and FinCEN for violating the Bank Secrecy Act, the U.S.’s main anti-money laundering law.
SourcingFeb 19, 2025
Diamond Mining Company CEO Steps Down Amid Sales Slump, LayoffsPetra Diamonds Ltd. CEO Richard Duffy resigned as the diamond miner reported a 30 percent drop in sales to start its fiscal year.
ColumnistsFeb 19, 2025
The Smart Lab: Maximizing Your Jewelry Brand on PinterestPinterest is a potential gold mine for jewelry brands, Emmanuel Raheb writes, provided they follow these five tips.
CollectionsFeb 19, 2025
Swarovski’s NYC Flagship Celebrates Ariana Grande CollabThe store’s facade now features the iconic swan logo and campaign images of the “Wicked” star.
Policies & IssuesFeb 18, 2025
New Customs Requirements for Diamond Imports: What We KnowBeginning in April, companies importing diamonds into the United States will have to list the country in which the diamonds were mined.
AuctionsFeb 18, 2025
A Menagerie of Fabergé Coming to Sotheby’sAround 30 whimsical Fabergé animal carvings will go up for auction at Sotheby’s Geneva in May.
SourcingFeb 18, 2025
Celine Assimon Stepping Down as CEO of De Beers JewellersAssimon will be leaving at the end of February after nearly five years with De Beers.
CollectionsFeb 18, 2025
Tabayer Debuts Its First Men’s Jewelry SelectionsDesigns from the brand’s “Oera” collection have been reimagined with modern masculinity in mind.
SourcingFeb 14, 2025
Navneet Gems Now Offering Unheated Montana SapphiresThe wholesale collection features material from the Rock Creek mine in a variety of colors.
CollectionsFeb 14, 2025
Carolyn Rafaelian Partners with ‘Long Island Medium’ StarThe “Divinely Guided” collection, created in collaboration with Theresa Caputo, features symbols that celebrate the power of connection.
CollectionsFeb 14, 2025
Piece of the Week: Lorraine West’s Diamond ‘Open Heart’ RingShow some love on Valentine’s Day with this 14-karat yellow gold ring that features pavé diamonds.
CrimeFeb 13, 2025
Macy’s Employee Foils $1.5M Jewelry Theft The employee confronted the thief, causing the suspect to flee and leave behind the suitcases full of jewelry.
SourcingFeb 13, 2025
Namibian Diamond Co. Suspends CEO, COO After Deadly Heist Namib Desert Diamonds also put its security manager on leave following last month’s robbery that left one employee dead.
Events & AwardsFeb 13, 2025
AGTA Announces Buyer’s Choice Award Winners for Spectrum, Cutting EdgeAGTA recently concluded its 2025 GemFair event in Tucson and is already gearing up for next year’s show, set for Feb. 2-6, 2026.
CollectionsFeb 13, 2025
Royal Chain Releases Its Spring 2025 CatalogMore than 400 new pieces are featured in the supplier’s latest catalog.
TrendsFeb 13, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: Hearts for Valentine’s DayThis curation celebrates love with heart-shaped jewelry of all shapes and sizes.
Policies & IssuesFeb 13, 2025
Jewelers Relief Fund Reopened to Aid Victims of LA Fires The fund is collecting money for jewelry businesses damaged by the wildfires in Los Angeles County.
TrendsFeb 12, 2025
5 Engagement Ring Trends Expected to Rule 2025From chunky bands to vintage diamond cuts and bezel settings, these are the trends experts are seeing take over the bridal market.
EditorsFeb 12, 2025
Q&A: Marion Fasel on the History of Diamond Engagement RingsFasel discusses researching her new book, the most enduring engagement ring styles, and the diamond shape Taylor Swift will pick.
