Walmart: The 2nd Biggest Online Shopping Platform in the USA

Hasan Ahmed
Sep 20
4 min read

Walmart – The 2nd Biggest Online Shopping Platform in the USA. Walmart is the second-largest online shopping platform in the USA after Amazon. Learn how Walmart grew its e-commerce empire, why it ranks #2, and how it competes in the digital retail world.

Image of Walmart logo, x-aladdin

Walmart’s Rise in Online Shopping

When it comes to online shopping in the USA, Amazon holds the #1 position, but right behind it stands Walmart, the second biggest online shopping platform in the USA. Once known only for its brick-and-mortar supercenters, Walmart has transformed into a powerful digital marketplace.

From groceries to electronics, clothing to home essentials, Walmart’s e-commerce division has exploded in recent years. Backed by thousands of physical stores, Walmart is now a serious competitor to Amazon and a favorite among millions of American shoppers.

*Image: Walmart app open on a smartphone with a shopping cart in the background, x-aladdin*

Walmart's online shopping app showcases the USA’s 2nd biggest marketplace.

Walmart’s Journey: From Retail Giant to Online Challenger

Walmart’s history started in 1962 when Sam Walton opened the first discount store in Rogers, Arkansas. For decades, Walmart grew into the largest physical retailer in the world.

But the real turning point came when Walmart heavily invested in e-commerce around 2016, acquiring Jet.com and upgrading its Walmart.com platform. Since then, Walmart has become the second-largest online shopping destination in the USA, reaching over 120 million monthly visitors.

*Image: Vintage Walmart store photo transitioning into modern e-commerce illustration. By X-Aladdin*

Walmart’s transformation from retail stores to a digital marketplace.

Why Walmart Is the 2nd Biggest Online Shopping Platform in the USA

1. Omnichannel Advantage

Walmart’s biggest strength lies in combining online shopping with in-store pickup. Shoppers can buy online and pick up from one of 4,700+ Walmart stores across the U.S.

2. Competitive Pricing

Staying true to its motto, “Save Money. Live Better,” Walmart offers aggressive pricing on everyday products, making it a top choice for cost-conscious shoppers.

3. Massive Product Selection

From groceries and household items to clothing and electronics, Walmart offers millions of items online. Their third-party seller program, Walmart Marketplace, has expanded product availability to rival Amazon.

4. Walmart+ Membership

Launched in 2020, Walmart+ provides free shipping, fuel discounts, and scan-and-go checkout, competing directly with Amazon Prime.

5. Fast Delivery & Logistics

With next-day delivery in many areas, Walmart has turned its stores into mini fulfillment centers, speeding up e-commerce growth.

Image: Walmart+ logo with fast delivery icon. By X-Aladdin

Walmart+ membership benefits are fueling Walmart’s online growth.

Walmart Marketplace: Empowering Sellers

Much like Amazon, Walmart allows third-party sellers to join its Walmart Marketplace.

Benefits include:

Access to 120M+ monthly visitors.
Option to use Walmart Fulfillment Services (WFS) for logistics.
Lower competition compared to Amazon.
No monthly subscription fees (sellers only pay referral fees).

This strategy has fueled Walmart’s rise as the #2 online shopping platform in the USA.

*Image: Small business owner shipping packages with a Walmart Marketplace label. By X-Aladdin*

Seller preparing packages for Walmart Marketplace orders

Walmart vs. Amazon: The Big Rivalry

While Amazon dominates online retail, Walmart has carved out a strong second-place position.

Feature	Amazon (#1)	Walmart (#2)
Founded	1994 (online bookstore)	1962 (retail store)
U.S. E-commerce Share	~37%	~7%
Membership	Amazon Prime	Walmart+
Fulfillment	FBA (Fulfillment by Amazon)	WFS (Walmart Fulfillment Services)
Strength	Global reach & tech	Physical stores + grocery

Walmart’s ability to merge physical presence with digital shopping gives it a unique advantage, especially in groceries—a category where Amazon still lags behind.

*Image: Illustration of Amazon vs Walmart logos with shopping carts. By X-Aladdin*

Walmart is competing with Amazon in the U.S. e-commerce market.

Walmart’s Strength in Online Grocery

One area where Walmart shines is online grocery shopping.

Curbside Pickup: Customers order groceries online and pick them up without leaving their car.
Home Delivery: Walmart offers same-day grocery delivery in many locations.
Low Prices on Essentials: As a leader in affordability, Walmart is the go-to choice for families buying groceries online.

This has made Walmart the top online grocery retailer in the USA.

*Image: Walmart grocery bags being delivered at home. By X-Aladdin*

Walmart's online grocery delivery service.

Walmart’s Investments in Technology and Innovation

To maintain its #2 position, Walmart continues to invest in innovation:

Automation & Robotics in warehouses.
AI-powered search on Walmart.com.
Drone delivery pilots in selected cities.
Voice shopping through smart devices.
Partnerships with TikTok & social platforms for social commerce.

These moves ensure Walmart remains competitive in the e-commerce race.

Challenges Walmart Faces in E-Commerce

Despite success, Walmart faces challenges:

Competing with Amazon’s Prime ecosystem.
Expanding beyond the U.S. (Amazon has stronger global reach).
Managing the balance between in-store and online inventory.
Attracting enough third-party sellers compared to Amazon’s massive marketplace.

Yet, Walmart’s aggressive growth and customer trust make it a solid competitor.

Walmart’s Future as a Top Online Shopping Platform

Looking ahead, Walmart aims to strengthen its e-commerce dominance by:

Expanding Walmart+ membership benefits.
Investing in AI-driven personalization for online shoppers.
Growing Walmart Fulfillment Services to support sellers.
Increasing partnerships with brands and marketplaces.
Enhancing eco-friendly packaging and sustainability goals.

With its strong U.S. presence, Walmart is well-positioned to remain the second-largest online shopping platform in the country—and possibly challenge Amazon even further.

*Image: Futuristic Walmart warehouse with automation robots. By X-Aladdin*

Walmart’s innovation in logistics is shaping the future of online retail.

Conclusion: Walmart is the USA’s #2 E-Commerce Giant

Walmart has successfully transformed from a traditional retailer into a digital powerhouse, earning its place as the 2nd biggest online shopping platform in the USA.

By leveraging its massive store network, offering competitive prices, and building strong digital solutions like Walmart+ and WFS, Walmart is more than just Amazon’s runner-up—it’s a key driver of innovation in American e-commerce.

For millions of shoppers, Walmart offers convenience, trust, and affordability. For sellers, it’s a growing marketplace full of opportunity.

As online shopping continues to expand, Walmart’s role as the second-largest e-commerce platform in the USA will only grow stronger—making it one of the most important players in the digital shopping revolution.