Global retail brand value hits $1.3 trn, driven by e-com surge: Report

Global e-commerce hub Amazon remains the world’s most valuable retail brand for the tenth consecutive year. In 2025, its brand value grew 15 per cent to $356.4 billion, making it the fourth most valuable brand in the world, according to Brand Finance’s Global 500 ranking.

American retail powerhouse Walmart is the fastest-growing brand in the top 10, surging 42 per cent to $137.2 billion. The brand faces reputational challenges, however, including a class action lawsuit over deceptive pricing, which could impact long-term consumer trust.

Australia’s Kmart is the fastest-growing brand in the sector globally, with a 79 per cent increase in brand value to $2.2 billion. Exceptional performance in consumer brand strength metrics—scoring perfect 10s for being perceived as a ‘preferred brand’, ‘brand I love’, ‘reputation’, and ‘brand I know well’—has also contributed to its high Brand Strength Index (BSI) score of 88.9 out of 100, said the report titled ‘Retail 100 2025’ by Brand Finance.

The global e-commerce market is estimated to reach $6.8 trillion in 2025, with projections rising to nearly $8 trillion by 2027. China’s JD.com, the highest-ranked retail brand outside the US, saw its brand value increase by 5 per cent to $18.8 billion, while Meituan’s brand value rose 37 per cent to $11.7 billion.

Korea’s Coupang saw an increase of 11 per cent in its brand value to reach $8.0 billion, and Argentina’s MercadoLibre brand value was up by 3 per cent to $4.7 billion. These all-recorded increases in brand value, underscoring the rapid growth of digital commerce, added the report.

“From bookshops to electronics stores, Amazon has changed the game making it harder for traditional bricks and mortar specialists to survive, unless they significantly adapt and leverage their potential advantage in customer experience,” said Annie Brown, valuation director, Brand Finance. “With Sycamore Partners set to acquire Walgreens Boots Alliance, announced in March 2025, we are excited to see how Walgreens and Boots will evolve their brands and customer experience offers as a result of its private equity injection.”

ALCHEMPro News Desk (SG)