What: The traditional NRF annual ranking of the most impactful retailers in the world

Why it is important: Sales are not anymore the only criteria for this ranking, all the more in such a bumpy year as 2020 was. The NRF and Kantar decided to implement a new system highlighting new forms of retail. The result? Walmart is still number one in the world, but is now clearly challenged by digital players (Amazon, Alibaba).

In 2020, retailers were clearly separated between the one already equipped to sell by distance before the pandemic closed cities, and the others. As a result, looking only at revenue might not be enough to assess the power of global retailers now. Kantar and the NRF decided to include other metrics (omnichannel capabilities, retail alliances, marketplaces, international position) to determine the top 50 most impactful retailers in the world. The ranking assessing the notion of influence is therefore disconnected from the pure sales numbers.

Winners in the top 10 are clearly confirming that digital has become a must have in 2020, unless you are a discounter:

• Walmart remains number one with a revenue of USD 519 bn (from 510 last year)
• Amazon remains number 2 with a revenue of USD 280,52 bn (from 232.88 last year)
• Schwartz group remains number 3 with a revenue of USD 133.89 bn (from 123.25 last year)
• Aldi jumps from 8th to 4th place with USD 116.06 bn (LY 91.90)
• Ali Baba goes from 4th to 5th position but increases turnover with USD 71.99 bn (LY 56.15)
• Costco also loses a seat, from 5th to 6th, but also increases turnover from USD 149.35 bn to 163.22
• Ahold Delhaize goes from 6th to 7th seat, and increases turnover from USD 74.29 bn to 78.17 bn
• JD.com enters the top 10 with a total turnover of USD 82.86 bn

Retailers relying on physical locations only took a hit

• Carrefour goes from 7th to 8th with a decrease from USD 89.81 bn to 82.60 bn
• Ikea stays at the 9th position, with a decrease from USD 48.73 bn to 45.18 bn
• Auchan fell from 10th to 12th position, with a turnover falling from USD 60.22 bn to USD 51.27 bn.

See the whole Top 50 on the NRF website here

2021 Top 50 Global Retailers