Biggest online stores: For numerous entrepreneurs, the advent of the Internet has represented a new way of looking at businesses and making a profit. There are countless businesses that have transitioned to the online medium with success, but some ventures out there certainly stand tall amongst competitors when it comes to the revenues they generate.
We would like to present you with a list of the world’s 5 biggest online stores, based on their sales estimates for the year 2012, in a style similar to our coverage of the world’s most profitable companies.
Let’s take a look at the countdown.
*Note: All website screenshots were taken for the purpose of this article only.
No. 5: Dell.com
Online sales (2012 estimate): $4,609,728,000
Even though Dell Inc. (NASDAQ:DELL)’s online sales have somewhat declined over the past 2 years, mainly as a result of Apple’s dominance in the realm of consumer electronics, the company still holds its spot as one of the biggest online stores in the world. Dell launched its online operations in the mid 1990s, in an attempt to cut back on the losses it was registering in its offline stores. Judging by the fact that it has managed to secure the 5th place in our countdown, we can safely say that it has achieved that; and more.
See the rest of the biggest online stores on the following pages:
No. 4: Walmart.com
Online sales (2012 estimate): $4,900,000,000
When it comes to offline operations, Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. (NYSE:WMT) is probably the biggest retailer in the US, with over 10,000 stores opened across the country. It went online a little bit later than the other competitors in our countdown, which might explain why it is only ranked as 4th. However, it has already made a name for itself in the world of e-commerce and it will probably continue its ascension for years to come. The company even founded its very own WalmartLabs, where engineers and entrepreneurs alike work on developing Walmart’s retail, mobile, and social media outlets.
No. 3: Store.apple.com
Online sales (2012 estimate): $6,660,000,000
Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) is one of the biggest companies in the world, both online and offline, when it comes to the revenues and profits it generates. Even though it is only ranked as the 3rd largest online retailer in the world, it is safe to assume that Apple.com will continue its upward online transition started back in 1997. One of the biggest cornerstones in its development is represented by the Apple Store, a concept showroom that perfectly complements the company’s online experience.
No. 2: Staples.com
Online sales (2012 estimate): $10,600,000,000
Staples, Inc. (NASDAQ:SPLS) might be the runner-up in our countdown, but it is the first online retailer to surpass the $10 billion mark in online sales. The largest office supply retailer in the world went online in 1998, after it had already achieved success with its offline stores. More than a decade since then, Staples has definitely made a name for itself in the world of online stores.
No. 1: Amazon.com
Online sales (2012 estimate): $48,080,000,000
Amazon.com, Inc. (NASDAQ:AMZN) is not only the world’s biggest online retailer, but it is also one of the first competitors to join the online game. Founded in ’95 by entrepreneur Jeff Bezos, it took several years before Amazon truly became profitable, but nowadays it is the biggest name in the industry. Amazon further expanded its lead on other online retailers by introducing the Kindle, an e-book reader device, back in 2007.
