10 best ecommerce companies in 2024

The world of online retail is teeming with endless possibilities for ecommerce businesses. With countless platforms available at your fingertips, finding the perfect match for your online store can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. 

While the ecommerce industry is evolving quickly, a reliable website is one thing you should have regardless of your niche or market. We've compiled a list of the top 10 ecommerce giants dominating the scene this year. We'll learn what sets them apart from their competitors, explore their cutting-edge features, and show you how they can supercharge your own ecommerce operations.

We will also explore how integrating with local print on demand services can give you a serious advantage in a fiercely competitive marketplace—shining a spotlight on Gelato's 'glocal' platform.

• Various platforms collectively shape the ecommerce landscape, offering unique features and advantages to cater to different business needs.

• Etsy, eBay, and Amazon continue to lead the market with user-friendly interfaces, robust tools, and extensive integrations.

• Emerging platforms like Shopify, WooCommerce, and BigCommerce focus on niche markets and community-driven commerce, providing opportunities for smaller sellers.

• Well-established retail giants like Walmart, Target, and Ikea have expanded their ecommerce capabilities, blending traditional retail strengths with online innovation.

• Integrations with services like Gelato enable ecommerce entrepreneurs to expand their global reach with local print on demand solutions, enhancing scalability and operational efficiency.

Choosing the right ecommerce platform is crucial for the success of an online business. The right platform can influence your store's performance, user experience, and overall growth. An optimized platform ensures seamless integration with various tools and provides the flexibility you need to scale your operations.

The security features and support services provided by top-tier ecommerce platforms help protect data and resolve issues promptly, enhancing customer trust and satisfaction. By selecting a platform that aligns with your business needs and goals, you can create a smooth and efficient shopping experience that can promote increased customer satisfaction and increase sales.

Discover the top players in the ecommerce world with this list of the 10 largest ecommerce companies for online shopping in 2024. These industry giants have revolutionized the online retail landscape, offering unparalleled shopping experiences and extensive product selections.

1. Shopify

Shopify has cemented its position as one of the largest ecommerce companies globally, boasting over 4.8 million active websites this year. Since its inception in 2006, Shopify has grown astronomically, especially during the pandemic, accelerating the shift to online retail. 

Here’s why it stands out: 

• Ease of use: Shopify's user-friendly interface makes it accessible even to those with minimal technical expertise.

• Customizable online stores: Shopify offers a wide array of customizable templates, allowing businesses to create and personalize their storefronts.

• Integrated payment systems: Shopify Payments and other integrations simplify transactions and enhance customer experience.

• Robust app ecosystem: Over 8,000 apps provide additional functionalities—from SEO optimization to social media marketing, ensuring businesses can scale effectively.

• Faster load times: Speed is critical for customer satisfaction, and Shopify’s dedicated servers ensure websites load quickly.

The platform’s flexibility and robust features attract entrepreneurs and big-name brands. With Shopify, you can tap into an unrivaled suite of tools to scale your ecommerce business. 

2. BigCommerce

BigCommerce has solidified its reputation as a top player due to its robust features and scalability. As one of the fastest-growing ecommerce platforms, BigCommerce grew its market share by 8% in 2023. 

Here are some key features that make BigCommerce stand out: 

• Comprehensive built-in solutions: BigCommerce offers a range of built-in tools such as SEO, web hosting, and payment gateways, eliminating the need for third-party plugins.

• Scalability: Designed to support businesses from small startups to large enterprises, BigCommerce provides flexible API integration, which is a significant advantage for growing companies.

• Multi-channel selling: Integrations with popular marketplaces like Amazon and eBay enable sellers to broaden their reach effortlessly.

• Advanced analytics: BigCommerce provides detailed reports and analytics, helping businesses make data-driven decisions to optimize sales and overall strategy.

BigCommerce is known for its user-friendly interface and robust support, making it an ideal choice for businesses looking to scale quickly. With a comprehensive set of tools and seamless integrations, it continues to be a top choice for ecommerce entrepreneurs in 2024.

3. Etsy

Founded in 2005, Etsy has steadily become a go-to platform for unique, handmade, and vintage goods. This American ecommerce global technology company boasts impressive statistics; as of 2023, Etsy boasted over 96 million active buyers and 8.3 million active sellers. With an average of 383.9 million monthly visitors, Etsy continues to draw a diverse, global customer base. 

Some key features and advantages of Etsy include: 

• Low fees: Etsy charges minimal fees for listing products, making it affordable for startups.

• Global reach: Sellers gain access to an international audience, widening their market potential.

• Supportive community: The platform offers robust community support and tools like Etsy Ads and Etsy Stats to help sellers succeed.

• Secure payments: Etsy Payments, the platform's primary payment method, ensures secure transactions for buyers and sellers.

Despite its high competition and niche market limitations, Etsy is a powerful platform for entrepreneurs looking to showcase their creations. The combination of low startup costs and valuable seller tools makes it an appealing option for small to medium-sized businesses.

4. WooCommerce

WooCommerce, a plugin for WordPress, is a solid contender as one of the leading ecommerce platforms. Launched in 2011, it quickly gained popularity due to its flexibility and ease of integration with existing WordPress sites for over a decade. 

According to Host Duplex, WooCommerce powers approximately 28.19% of all online stores, showcasing its widespread adoption. 

Key features of WooCommerce include: 

• Customizability: Easily customizable with a range of extensions and themes.

• Cost-effective: Free to use, with optional paid extensions to enhance functionality.

• Integration: Seamlessly integrates with WordPress, the most popular CMS.

• Analytics: Built-in analytics and reporting tools to track sales performance.

• Flexibility: Supports various product types, including physical goods, digital products, and subscriptions.

WooCommerce’s growth can also be attributed to its supportive community and extensive documentation, making it a go-to choice for businesses of all sizes. With powerful features and a strong market presence, WooCommerce is well-suited for entrepreneurs looking to leverage their WordPress sites for ecommerce.

5. eBay

Founded in 1995 by Pierre Omidyar, eBay has grown from a simple online auction site to a global ecommerce giant. With over 2.1 billion active listings and 132 million active buyers, eBay's impressive reach spans more than 190 countries. 

Key features of eBay include: 

• Massive variety of products: You can find anything from vintage collectibles to electronics and everything in between. 

• Global reach: eBay's extensive international presence enables sellers to access a worldwide customer base.

• Secure transactions: Partnerships with PayPal ensures  safe and convenient payment processing for shoppers.

• Seller tools: eBay offers robust tools and analytics to help sellers optimize their listings and sales.

Furthermore, eBay's platform is user-friendly, making it accessible for seasoned sellers and newcomers alike. Regular updates and enhancements demonstrate their commitment to improving the buyer and seller experience. 

eBay's extensive product variety, global presence, and secure transactions make it a formidable player in the ecommerce world and a prime choice for anyone looking to reach a diverse audience across the globe. 

6. Amazon

Amazon, the fastest-growing ecommerce company in the world, continues to dominate the global ecommerce landscape, maintaining its reputation as the go-to platform for online shoppers and sellers alike. Its vast customer base and pioneering approach to logistics and technology have created a powerhouse that smaller ecommerce platforms aspire to emulate. 

What sets Amazon apart? For starters:

• Amazon Prime: With over 200 million subscribers worldwide, Amazon Prime offers members benefits like free shipping, exclusive deals, and access to Prime Video and Music.

• Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA): This service allows sellers to store products in Amazon’s fulfillment centers while Amazon handles all logistics, providing faster delivery and reducing hassle for sellers.

• AWS integration: Amazon Web Services (AWS) ensures the platform remains reliable, secure, and scalable. Nearly a third of all web activity uses AWS.

• Customer review system: An extensive review database helps shoppers make informed decisions, fostering trust and engagement.

• Diverse product range: Amazon’s marketplace caters to virtually every imaginable product category, from electronics to art, groceries, clothing, and everything in between.

These features make Amazon an easy choice for expanding your ecommerce presence. With its robust infrastructure and customer focus, Amazon remains at the forefront of the ecommerce industry.

7. Alibaba

As one of the tech giants dominating the global ecommerce landscape, Alibaba stands out for its sheer scale and diversity of services. 

In the fiscal year 2024, the Alibaba Group reported a staggering revenue of approximately $60.2 billion, establishing its supremacy in ecommerce. 

Prominent Alibaba features include: 

• Vast product range: With everything from electronics to fashion, Alibaba serves a broad spectrum of consumer needs.

• Global reach: Extensive logistics network and partnerships facilitate international shipping and fast deliveries.

• Technology integration: Advanced analytics and AI-driven recommendations enhance the shopping experience.

• Business support: Offers tools and services like Alibaba Cloud to empower small, medium, and enterprise-scale businesses.

Alibaba's significant growth stems from its ability to blend advanced technology with a user-centric approach, making it a top choice for consumers and vendors worldwide. This blend of scale, technology, and user support sets Alibaba apart in the highly competitive ecommerce industry.

8. Walmart

Walmart, the American retail titan, continues to dominate the ecommerce landscape. Boasting more than 10,600 brick-and-mortar stores across 19 countries and attracting around 255 million weekly visits to its ecommerce platform, Walmart offers a substantial reach for online sellers.  

What makes Walmart a smashing success? The following:  

• Vast audience: With Walmart's online marketplace, sellers can tap into an already enormous customer base.

• Omnichannel capabilities: Walmart seamlessly integrates its online and offline channels, offering in-store pickups and returns services that enhance customer convenience.

• Competitive fees: Compared to other platforms, Walmart Marketplace is known for its competitive fee structure, which makes it attractive to merchants.

• Advanced logistics: Leveraging Walmart’s extensive logistics and distribution network ensures quick and reliable delivery, an essential factor for customer satisfaction.

In Q2 2023 alone, Walmart recorded a whopping revenue of $161.6 billion, illustrating its continuing market strength. Leveraging Walmart’s vast infrastructure and customer reach can be a game-changer for ecommerce businesses looking to scale.

9. Target

Target has established itself as a top ecommerce contender, leveraging its solid physical presence with over 1,900 stores nationwide. In 2023, the company reported revenues of approximately $109 billion and consistently attracted more than 128.55 million monthly visits to its website. 

Key features of Target's ecommerce platform include: 

• Seamless omnichannel experience: Enables customers to shop online and pick up in-store or via curbside pickup.

• Extensive product range: From clothing and electronics to furniture and groceries, Target offers a broad spectrum of products.

• RedCard benefits: Frequent shoppers benefit from 5% discounts and additional perks when using Target's RedCard.

• Shipt integration: Partnership with Shipt ensures same-day delivery for thousands of items, which is a significant convenience for customers.

Target’s user-friendly website and mobile app enhance the shopping experience, making it easier for customers to find what they need quickly. This efficient ecommerce strategy reaffirms Target’s position as a significant player in the retail industry.

10. Ikea

Ikea’s foray into ecommerce has significantly bolstered its already dominant presence in the global retail market. Established in Sweden by Ingvar Kamprad, Ikea, the world's largest furniture retailer, now operates over 471 stores in 63 markets, attracting more than 200 million website visits monthly. 

Key features of Ikea’s ecommerce strategy include: 

• User-friendly website: Ikea’s ecommerce platform is intuitive, making it easy for customers to browse and purchase products.

• Augmented reality (AR) tools: Ikea's AR tools allow shoppers to visualize products in their homes, enhancing the buying experience.

• Global reach: Ikea ensures timely deliveries worldwide with local fulfillment centers and a robust logistics network.

• Sustainability initiatives: Ikea’s commitment to sustainability resonates with eco-conscious consumers.

In 2023, Ikea reported revenue of EUR 47 billion, a testament to its effective ecommerce strategy and expansive product range. Their blend of technology, sustainability, and wide-ranging products make Ikea a notable leader in the ecommerce landscape.

In ecommerce, standing out requires more than just offering great products. It demands efficiency, scalability, and a customer-centric approach packed into a robust platform. To be successful, you need a reliable partner on the ecommerce side to smash your goals. Gelato can help! 

Gelato seamlessly integrates with leading ecommerce platforms like Shopify, WooCommerce, and BigCommerce, allowing you to scale your business globally quickly and efficiently. 

By connecting our platform with your existing ecommerce store and leveraging a global network of local print partners, you can revolutionize your ecommerce business. Imagine offering your customers a vast collection of personalized products produced locally with lightning-fast delivery and reduced costs. Talk about impressive growth! 

With Gelato's intuitive platform and flexible subscription plans, you'll have the tools to expand your digital marketing reach, delight your customers, and drive significant growth.

Sign up for Gelato today and take your online store to the next level!