Amazon Outpaced Walmart in 2026 Retail Spending
Amazon captured a 9.6% share of U.S. retail spending in the second quarter of 2026, widening its lead over Walmart.
Updated on Oct. 6, 2026 in Retail
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Amazon reached a 9.6% share of total U.S. retail spending during the second quarter of 2026. This figure places the e-commerce giant ahead of Walmart, which captured 7.5% of total retail spending in the same period.
Why it matters
The shift highlights Amazon's dominance in retail categories that do not require physical store visits. Conversely, Walmart maintains a strong advantage in grocery spending, keeping its status as a vital destination for food and beverages.
Amazon commanded 35% of spending in sporting, hobby, music, and book goods, alongside 32.1% in electronics and appliances. Walmart captured 21% of the U.S. food and beverage market compared to Amazon's smaller footprint in that sector.
The players
Amazon
Amazon is a multinational technology and retail corporation that focuses on e-commerce, cloud computing, and digital streaming.
Walmart
Walmart is a global retail corporation that operates a massive chain of hypermarkets, discount department stores, and grocery stores.
The details
Calculations based on company earnings reports and federal data show that Amazon leads Walmart in five distinct retail categories, including clothing and apparel. Amazon's growth trend continues to favor online-first purchasing habits, while Walmart holds a steady lead in the essential food and beverage category.
Timeline
In 2019, Walmart maintained a small lead in furniture spending.
During the second quarter of 2025, the spending share gap between the two retailers was smaller.
Amazon reached a 9.6% share of total U.S. retail spending in the second quarter of 2026.
A PYMNTS Intelligence report regarding these retail trends was published in September 2026.
Market Landscape
The divergence in market share reflects a broader industry shift toward digital-first retail environments that capitalize on convenience. Amazon's dominance positions it as the primary competitor to Walmart's traditional brick-and-mortar model.
Shoppers may notice continued variations in pricing and delivery speed as the two retailers compete for digital and physical sales dominance. These trends directly influence household shopping strategies for electronics, apparel, and daily groceries.
The takeaway
Consumers increasingly rely on specialized shopping platforms to balance competitive pricing with delivery efficiency. Tracking which retailer leads in specific categories can help households optimize their recurring monthly spending.
Further reading
For more information on current industry shifts, browse our Retail section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by PYMNTS.
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