Data - the top 20 international retailers in the UK

eBay 

Although eBay started as a site largely matching buyers to sellers of second-hand goods, in 2022 around 80% of products it sold worldwide were new items. 

The UK accounted for 16.3% of the eBay’s total turnover in 2022/23, with 50% of the US marketplace’s group revenue coming from its international business. 

eBay has a unique and strong brand proposition unlike any other in the UK market. This inevitably puts the business in good stead going forward as it looks to build further market share and restore revenue growth. The recent announcement of the removal of sellers’ fees on fashion in the UK is also sure to fend off growing competition from the likes of Vinted and Depop.   

eBay research revealed that 70% of people in the UK wear only 50% or less of their wardrobe on a day-to-day basis, with 92% stating they have over one item of clothing they haven’t worn in the last 12 months.   

Its best-known partnership in the UK is with Argos, which enables eBay shoppers to collect orders and allows sellers to drop off orders to be delivered at Argos stores.  

Recent partnerships with Love Island have helped to promote its second-hand offer to new demographics with the retailer having also initiated a number of pop-ups in the UK that promote circularity. 

Aldi 

German retailer Aldi leads the international grocers when it comes to UK turnover share and UK revenues. Retail Navigator estimates the UK market is around 15.2% of group turnover, although the retailer keeps total turnover close to its chest with Retail Navigator having estimated total sales. 

Aldi’s strong value proposition is underpinned by tight control of its operations, limited product range and no-frills experience, resulting in quality products at low prices. Having shunted Morrisons out of the big four in 2022, several UK grocers now price-match Aldi to compete on value. 

Aldi has a long-term target of 1,500 stores in the UK, with Retail Navigator forecasting a five-year UK CAGR of 8.9% to 2027/28. 

Amazon 

Although the UK makes up only a small part of Amazon’s turnover, the retailer tops the table when ranked by total UK sales. 

Amazon places a “maniacal focus” on putting the customer first, with drone deliveries set to launch in the UK market later in 2024. 

Click and collect, through Amazon lockers and its partnerships with various companies offering collection services such as the Post Office and Next, makes shopping with Amazon fast and convenient, and a key driver of loyalty and growth. 

Worth noting, however, is challenger brand Temu, which is rapidly advancing in the UK, presenting Amazon with a clear threat. Encouraging customers to “shop like a billionaire”, users can access goods for under £1, with some items as low as 17p.   

As affordability remains front of mind for shoppers, retailers like Temu will continue to grab share in the UK. Retail Navigator expects this retailer to feature in the top 20 in forthcoming years. 

Ikea 

Despite having just over 20 stores in the UK, Ikea continues to capture the pockets of the UK population with its affordable homeware.  

Online sales now account for around 38.5% of the UK business with growth driven by the accelerated transition to online during the pandemic and investment in Ikea’s fulfilment options.  

The retailer continues to optimise its network in the UK with several options for its customers from big box stores to pick-up points in Tesco car parks. Having opened its first small format store in London’s Hammersmith in 2022, its Oxford Street store is eagerly awaited, launching autumn 2024. 

Methodology 

This ranking covers sales generated by international retailers that have entered the UK market under their own trading names and excludes British retail brands that have come under foreign ownership. 

Sales denoted with an ᵉ are Retail Navigator estimates.  

H&M, Inditex and Urban Outfitters’ figures are combined turnover of all their fascias.