Probably the first names that come to mind when you think of e-commerce in the United States are Amazon, Walmart, and eBay. These are, of course, the mega-brands that have succeeded not only domestically but also internationally, making them well-known to consumers in nations where they are not (yet) available.
It’s not unexpected to hear that the US is a significant leader in the global e-commerce market given the broad popularity of numerous American e-commerce firms. This is largely attributable to the early adoption of e-commerce as a way for companies and retailers to reach the enormous, widely dispersed US population with their goods.
This early uptake allowed customers to gradually come around to the idea of online buying, becoming supporters and voracious online shoppers eventually, still a long time before many other nations had started to move in this direction.
Given this significant head start, it’s no surprise that Jeff Bezos’ 1994-launched Amazon is the global market leader, consistently ranking in the top three of most countries’ most popular e-commerce sites. Since Amazon was one of the very first companies to sell goods online, everyone has been trying to follow in their footsteps.
USA eCommerce Statistics
As of 2021, the USA eCommerce market is valued at $794.50 billion, with an expected growth rate of 10.9% in 2022. Mobile commerce accounts for 44.5% of total e-commerce sales in the US. Amazon is the leading eCommerce company in the US, with a market share of 39.7%, followed by Walmart with 5.3%. The top-selling product categories in the US eCommerce market are electronics, clothing and apparel, and personal care products. About 65% of US consumers prefer to shop online rather than in-store, and free shipping is the most important factor in their purchasing decision.
Top 10 American E-Commerce Sites, Details about their history and current market
Here are the top 10 American e-commerce sites by monthly traffic as of 2021, along with a brief history and current market information about each company:
1.Amazon:
Amazon Estimated number of monthly visitors-2.49 billion
Founded in 1994 by Jeff Bezos as an online bookstore, Amazon has grown to become the largest online retailer in the world. In addition to its e-commerce platform, Amazon offers cloud computing services, streaming services, and other products and services. In 2020, Amazon had a 39.7% share of the U.S. e-commerce market.
The world’s largest portal for books, music, electronics, fashion and accessories, tools and hardware, sporting goods, and pretty much everything else one can imagine, Amazon offers its whole range of products to customers in the US. Not to mention, US customers may use Amazon Prime to get these products with free one- or two-day shipping.
2. Walmart:
Walmart.com Estimated number of monthly visitors-394.7 million
Walmart was founded in 1962 by Sam Walton and is now the world’s largest retailer. The company has been expanding its e-commerce capabilities in recent years and acquired several online retailers, including Jet.com and Bonobos. In 2020, Walmart had a 5.3% share of the U.S. e-commerce market.
Subsequently the 1960s, when it first emerged as a low-cost mega-warehouse, Walmart has become a household name in the US. It has since grown to become the largest retail organization in the world, with locations in all 50 states and a sizable online presence in the US, Canada, and Mexico.
The breadth of products available to Walmart’s online consumers, including those in the categories of electronics, baby products, fashion, pharmacy, and auto parts, makes the platform appealing to customers with a variety of profiles. To help customers save even more on their purchases, Walmart in the US even offers a credit card bearing the Walmart name.
3. eBay:
eBay.com Estimated number of monthly visitors- 664.9 million
eBay was founded in 1995 as an online marketplace for buying and selling goods. Today, it has over 185 million active buyers and more than 1.5 billion listings. In 2020, eBay had a 4.7% share of the U.S. e-commerce market.
eBay is a website where users may buy and sell goods. Online retailers (including private sellers) list products for sale and make them available for bidding in online auctions.
Customers use eBay to look for products to purchase. When consumers locate a product they desire, they may place a bid on it using eBay’s online auction features.
eBay offers customers a wide range of products in addition to practical shipping options and quick delivery at no extra charge. Order status updates are also provided by eBay.
Regarding sellers, eBay offers them access to a sizable audience of potential customers.
4. Etsy:
Etsy Estimated number of monthly visitors-513.5 million
Etsy was founded in 2005 as an online marketplace for handmade and vintage goods. The company has since expanded to include other products, and in 2015 it went public. In 2020, Etsy had a 2.6% share of the U.S. e-commerce market.
The international market for one-of-a-kind and original products is Etsy. It is the place where a vast array of unique, amazing objects, including old treasures and handcrafted originals, are found. Our goal is to retain human interaction at the core of commerce in an era of rising automation.
Etsy is an online marketplace where independent artists and crafters can sell their goods. Etsy is primarily associated with handmade toys, collectibles, art, home goods, vintage furniture, jewellery, clothing, and holiday items, in addition to crafts and craft supplies
5. Home Depot:
Home Depot Estimated number of monthly visitors- 8.21 million
Home Depot was founded in 1978 as a home improvement retailer. The company has expanded its e-commerce offerings in recent years and has been investing in omnichannel capabilities. In 2020, Home Depot had a 2.2% share of the U.S. e-commerce market.
Retailer of home improvement goods is The Home Depot Inc. (Home Depot). It provides a range of goods, including furniture, appliances, hardware, electrical goods, kitchen and bathroom products, flooring and paint goods, and lawn and garden products for both indoor and outdoor use.
6. Target:
Target Estimated number of monthly visitors – 174.6 million
Target was founded in 1902 and has grown to become the eighth largest retailer in the U.S. The company has been investing in e-commerce capabilities in recent years and acquired Shipt, a same-day delivery service, in 2017. In 2020, Target had a 2.2% share of the U.S. e-commerce market.
Target hasn’t just nailed the low prices on apparel, food, home goods, electronics, and other items; they’ve also kept up with current conveniences and technology while rewarding devoted consumers with unique deals and energising both customers and staff through volunteer work.
7. Best Buy:
Best Buy Estimated number of monthly visitors- 154.0 million
Best Buy was founded in 1966 as a retailer of consumer electronics. The company has expanded its e-commerce offerings in recent years and has been investing in omnichannel capabilities. In 2020, Best Buy had a 1.6% share of the U.S. e-commerce market.
Retailer of consumer electronics Best Buy has locations in the United States, Mexico, and Canada. The company sells a wide range of goods at its physical stores and online, including mobile phones, digital cameras, video games, music, and household appliances like refrigerators and washing machines.
8. Wayfair:
Wayfair Estimated number of monthly visitors- 6.7 million
Wayfair was founded in 2002 as an online retailer of home goods. The company has since expanded to include other products and went public in 2014. In 2020, Wayfair had a 1.6% share of the U.S. e-commerce market.
Wayfair focused on dominating the market quickly by offering a deep selection of merchandise online, offering fast and easy shipping in a category historically not known for that and buying market share. It’s efforts to scale have worked. Wayfair is now the eighth largest eCommerce company in the United States
9. Macy’s:
Macy’s Estimated number of monthly visitors-117.5 million
Macy’s was founded in 1858 and has grown to become one of the largest department store chains in the U.S. The company has been investing in e-commerce capabilities in recent years and has been closing underperforming stores. In 2020, Macy’s had a 1.3% share of the U.S. e-commerce market.
Customers can expect big discounts on a variety of housewares, home textiles & décor, cosmetics, hair & nail care, gifts, jewelry, shoes, designer handbags, accessories, and activewear, as well as on clothing for men, women, and children. The American middle class, which values high-quality goods at affordable costs, is Macy’s primary target market for its Macy’s brand stores.
10. Costco:
Costco Depot Estimated number of monthly visitors- 90.5 million
Costco was founded in 1976 as a membership-based warehouse club. The company has been expanding its e-commerce offerings in recent years and offers same-day grocery delivery in some markets. In 2020, Costco had a 1.2% share of the U.S. e-commerce market.
Food, sweets, electronics, television and media, car parts, tires, toys, sporting goods, jewelry, watches, cameras, books, home goods, clothing, health and beauty products, furniture, office supplies, and office equipment are among the categories. Costco has a competitive advantage over other shops in its niche thanks to its own private label, discounted rates, and membership fees. Customers now have access to a reliable product at reasonable pricing thanks to this. Investors look for a reliable company model in a good investment.
Millions of people around the world love shopping at Costco because of its affordable rates and top-notch customer service. To make the shopping experience complete and convenient, Costco now offers a wide range of products, specialty departments, and unique member services.
It’s important to note that market share numbers can fluctuate based on various factors such as seasonality and consumer behavior, and the numbers provided here are based on a particular time frame.