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.
More on Majors
The Latest
AuctionsDec 12, 2025
13.54-Carat Paraíba Tourmaline Sets Records at Christie’sSet in a Tiffany & Co. necklace, it sold for $4.2 million, the highest price and price per carat paid for a Paraíba tourmaline at auction.
CollectionsDec 12, 2025
Piece of the Week: Oscar Heyman’s Sphene RingTake luxury gifting to new heights this holiday season with the jeweler’s showstopping 12-carat sphene ring.
Events & AwardsDec 12, 2025
IGI Jewelry Design Contest Now Accepting SubmissionsThis year's theme is “Unveiling the Depths of the Ocean.”
Brought to you by
Impacting Tomorrow TodayHow Jewelers of America’s 20 Under 40 are leading to ensure a brighter future for the jewelry industry.
TrendsDec 11, 2025
Pinterest 2026 Trend Report: Brooches, Bold Gold, Cool BlueIn its annual report, Pinterest noted an increase in searches for brooches, heirloom jewelry, and ‘80s luxury.
Weekly QuizDec 11, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
GradingDec 11, 2025
GIA to Offer Origin Determination for 3 More GemstonesStarting Jan. 1, customers can request the service for opal, peridot, and demantoid garnet.
IndependentsDec 11, 2025
Look Inside Day’s Jewelers’ Ninth StoreThe 111-year-old retailer celebrated the opening of its new location in Salem, New Hampshire, which is its third store in the state.
Brought to you by
Roseco Releases New Full-Line CatalogRoseco’s 704-page catalog showcases new lab-grown diamonds, findings, tools & more—available in print or interactive digital editions.
AuctionsDec 10, 2025
Francis Ford Coppola’s Watch Sells for $10.8MThe filmmaker’s personal F.P. Journe “FFC” prototype was the star of Phillips’ recent record-setting watch auction in New York.
WatchesDec 10, 2025
There’s A New Rolex Boutique in MiamiThe new location in the Design District pays homage to Miami’s Art Deco heritage and its connection to the ocean.
SurveysDec 10, 2025
Consumer Confidence Drops in November Inflations, tariffs, and politics—including the government shutdown—were among consumers’ top concerns last month.
SourcingDec 10, 2025
NAJA Announces Details for 2026 ‘Ace It’ Winter Conference“Longtime favorite” presenters, as well as first-time speakers, will lead talks and workshops at the annual event in Tucson next year.
Events & AwardsDec 10, 2025
MJSA Names 2025 Responsible Design Challenge WinnerSilas Smith of Meridian Metalworks won the challenge with his pendant that blends Australian and American landscapes.
AuctionsDec 09, 2025
‘Desert Rose’ Diamond Sells for $8.8M in Abu DhabiThe sale of the 31.68-carat, sunset-hued stone was part of Sotheby’s first series of events and auctions in Abu Dhabi.
ColumnistsDec 09, 2025
Holiday Sales Happen in December, Most Decisions Don’tMost customers who walk into your store this month have made up their minds. Your job is to validate their choice, Emmanuel Raheb writes.
TrendsDec 09, 2025
‘Once Upon a Time,’ Guzema Debuted Its Holiday CollectionThe collection features characters and motifs from Ukrainian folklore, including an enchanted mirror and a magic egg.
TechnologyDec 09, 2025
Gemvision Releases Updated MatrixGoldMatrixGold 3.11, the newest version of the jewelry design program, offers more flexibility, precision, and creative control.
Events & AwardsDec 09, 2025
MJSA Showcase Pavilion Returning to JA New York The pavilion will be part of the 2026 JA New York Spring show, scheduled for March 15 to 17.
MajorsDec 08, 2025
Juell Kadet, a ‘Lifelong Pillar’ of Rogers & Hollands, Dies at 96Kadet, a 1994 National Jeweler Retailer Hall of Fame inductee, helped grow the family-owned retailer in the Chicago area and beyond.
TechnologyDec 08, 2025
You’ve Heard of Smart Watches and Rings; Meet Smart EarringsBilled as the world’s smallest wearable, Lumia Health’s new smart earrings have a health tracker subtly embedded in the back.
TrendsDec 08, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: Celebrating December’s BirthstonesDon’t let those with December birthdays feel blue. Help them celebrate their month with blue zircon, turquoise, and tanzanite.
CollectionsDec 05, 2025
Piece of the Week: Robinson Pelham’s ‘Tsar Star’ EarringsThe new pink sapphire version of the piece dances with its wearer in the brand’s “Icons After Dark” holiday campaign.
TrendsDec 05, 2025
Pantone’s Color of the Year for 2026 Is … WhiteA choice that’s generated a lot of commentary, Pantone says “Cloud Dancer” marks a fresh start and encourages relaxation and creativity.
MajorsDec 05, 2025
Stuller Releases ‘Wrapped in Wonder’ CampaignThe manufacturer’s holiday campaign features a gift guide filled with trending designs and jewelry that can be personalized.
CrimeDec 04, 2025
Man Arrested After Allegedly Swallowing Fabergé Egg PendantThe man was charged with theft, accused of ingesting the necklace while in a jewelry store in Auckland, New Zealand.
IndependentsDec 04, 2025
Step Inside JR Dunn Jewelers’ Giant New Store The Florida independent expanded its store from 8,000 to 14,000 square feet, fulfilling the vision of its late co-founder, Jim Dunn.
Supplier BulletinDec 04, 2025
Introducing Shop Natural Day: A New Movement Celebrating Natural DiamondsSponsored by De Beers Group
