Study: How Many eCommerse Sites Are There in 2023?

Our analysis revealed that there are currently over 26.5 million eCommerce sites operating worldwide and this number increasing daily.

Between 2019 and 2023, the number of eCommerce sites across the entire globe grew from 9.2 million to 26.5 million.

The United States is the leading country in eCommerce, with 14 million sites, significantly outpacing the other countries.

The 10 largest countries having the most eCommerce sites are:

The significant rise in eCommerce can largely be attributed to the Covid-19 pandemic, which led to a 204% year-on-year growth in eCommerce sites in 2021 alone, taking the number from 9.7 million to an impressive 19.8 million.

Shopify is the #1 most popular eCommerce site-building technology taking more than 15% of the market share with almost 4 million sites using it. WooCommerce and Squarespace eCommerce hold 13.85% and 4.74% respectively.

Methodology

We analyzed over 26 million eCommerce websites.

All data sourced from the BuiltWith Web Technology Usage Report, looking at the popular technologies in the eCommerce industry, with data correct as of June 26th, 2023.

How Many eCommerce Sites Are There?

There are more than 26.5 million eCommerce sites across the entire globe, with more and more being created every single day.

Year	Stores	YoY Growth
2023	26.5 million	1.1%
2022	26.2 million	39%
2021	19.8 million	204%
2020	9.7 million	5.4%
2019	9.2 million	–

There has been a substantial increase in the total number of global eCommerce sites over the period from 2019 to 2023, growing from 9.2 million to 26.5 million. This shows the rapidly expanding nature of the global digital economy.

In 2021 and 2022, the growth of eCommerce sites in the world experienced just an incredible explosion.

In 2021 alone, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the number of eCommerce sites in the world has doubled (204% YoY growth).

If by 2020 there were only 9.7 million eCommerce sites in the world, in 2021, has already counted more than 19.8 million sites.

This means that the number of eCommerce sites in the world has doubled in 2021 alone.

The COVID-19 virus appears to have undergone a major transformation in online commerce, forcing many of the world’s businesses to trade not only in physical stores but also online.

After the substantial growth in 2021, there was a significant YoY growth again in 2022, at 39%. While this rate is considerably lower than the previous year, it still represents a major increase in the number of eCommerce sites. This suggests that the trend of businesses moving online has continued beyond the immediate impacts of the pandemic.

In 2023, the number of eCommerce sites reached 26.5 million, but the Year-on-Year (YoY) growth slowed down to 1.1%.

While this slowdown might suggest a stabilization of the market after years of significant growth, the absolute number of eCommerce sites continues to be substantial.

Number of eCommerce Sites by Country in 2023

Rank	Country	Number of Sites
1.	United States	13,982,500
2.	United Kingdom	1,239,400
3.	Brazil	731,900
4.	Germany	724,800
5.	Australia	645,300
6.	France	568,600
7.	Russia	547,600
8.	Italy	490,400
9.	Canada	472,000
10.	India	432,700
11.	Netherlands	391,800
12.	Spain	318,900
13.	Poland	215,700
14.	South Korea	208,900
15.	Japan	171,900
16.	Vietnam	171,700
17.	Switzerland	163,900
18.	South Africa	154,100
19.	Mexico	140,000
20.	Turkey	136,800
21.	Belgium	122,600
22.	Sweden	119,700
23.	Romania	117,400
24.	Chile	116,100
25.	Greece	102,900
26.	New Zealand	102,500
27.	Denmark	99,200
28.	Chech Republic	96,800
29.	Argentina	96,600
30.	Indonesia	89,000
31.	Ukraine	83,300
32.	China	79,900
33.	Austria	79,600
34.	Hungary	76,400
35	Portugal	76,400
36.	Iran	70,000
37.	Honk Kong	37,400
38.	Malaysia	68,300
39.	Ireland	60,600
40.	Norway	57,300
41.	Israel	56,300
42.	Pakistan	53,200
43.	Finland	48,900
44.	Singapore	48,500
45.	Slovakia	48,200
46.	Thailand	40,300
47.	Bulgaria	32,300
48.	UAE	31,700
49.	Nigeria	30,800
50.	Lithuania	29,900

The United States is the leading country in eCommerce, with 13,982,500 sites, significantly outpacing the other countries. This indicates the highly digitalized nature of its economy and the significant role of online shopping in consumer behavior.

The United Kingdom comes second, albeit with a much lower figure compared to the US, having 1,239,400 eCommerce sites. It implies that the UK also has a substantial digital economy.

The data shows a strong presence of European countries in the eCommerce sector, with the UK, Germany, France, Russia, Italy, Netherlands, Spain, Poland, and others being in the top 20. This indicates the maturity and high adoption rate of eCommerce in Europe.

Smaller countries such as Singapore, Ireland, and New Zealand are also represented, indicating that size isn’t a limiting factor for the growth of eCommerce.

Developing countries like Nigeria, Pakistan, and Indonesia, although at the lower end of the table, still have a significant number of eCommerce sites, showing the growing trend of online business in these regions.

1. How Many eCommerce Sites Are There in the US?

There are almost 14 million eCommerce sites in the US alone, with more and more being created daily.

Year	Stores	YoY Growth
2023	13.98 million	47.2%
2022	9.5 million	10.4%
2021	8.6 million	30.3%
2020	6.6 million	83.3%
2019	3.6 million	–

The total number of eCommerce sites in the United States has been growing steadily over the years. In 2019, there were 3.6 million eCommerce sites, which escalated to a whopping 13.98 million by 2023. This consistent growth indicates a thriving digital economy in the country.

The most significant jump in growth occurred between 2019 and 2020, where there was an 83.3% YoY increase in the number of eCommerce sites. This sharp increase might be linked to the COVID-19 pandemic, which forced many businesses to pivot to online platforms as lockdown measures were implemented worldwide.

Our analysis showed that between 2019 and 2022, the number of eCommerce sites in the U.S. market grew from 3.6 million to 9.5 million. And that’s almost a 3x increase.

In 2021, the YoY growth slowed down to 30.3%, suggesting a stabilization after the massive jump the previous year. This is expected as the extraordinary circumstances that led to the 83.3% rise in 2020 may have started to ease.

However, the YoY growth rate bounced back significantly in 2023, reaching a high of 47.2%. This may indicate a continuing trend of businesses establishing an online presence and consumers increasingly shifting towards online shopping.

Despite the YoY growth slowing down in 2022 to 10.4%, the absolute increase in the number of stores remained high, showing that the eCommerce market in the U.S. is still expanding.

2. How Many eCommerce Sites Are There in the United Kingdom?

There are more than 1.24 million eCommerce sites in the United Kingdom alone, with more and more being created daily.

Year	Stores	YoY Growth
2023	1.24 million	45.9%
2022	0.85 million	54.5%
2021	0.55 million	211.5%
2020	0.26 million	-7.1%
2019	0.28 million	–

There has been a substantial increase in the total number of eCommerce sites in the UK from 2019 to 2023. This expansion from 0.28 million to 1.24 million sites signifies the rapid digitization of the UK’s retail sector.

The most significant increase in the YoY growth rate occurred in 2021, with a staggering 211.5% surge. Similar to global trends, this massive growth could be associated with the COVID-19 pandemic’s impact, which prompted businesses to transition online due to lockdowns and social distancing rules.

Despite a substantial dip in the number of eCommerce sites in 2020, with a -7.1% YoY growth rate, the market rebounded impressively in the subsequent years. This resilience may suggest that the initial contraction was a temporary setback, possibly influenced by uncertainties related to Brexit and the early impacts of the pandemic and that the overall trend for eCommerce in the UK is strongly positive.

The years 2022 and 2023 witnessed substantial YoY growth rates of 54.5% and 45.9%, respectively. These rates indicate a sustained increase in eCommerce adoption, emphasizing the continuing relevance and importance of online retail in the UK’s economic landscape.

3. How Many eCommerce Sites Are There in Brazil?

There are more than 0.73 million eCommerce sites in Brazil alone, with more and more being created daily.

Year	Stores	YoY Growth
2023	0.73 million	36.9%
2022	0.44 million	51.7%
2021	0.29 million	263.6%
2020	0.11 million	10.2%
2019	0.10 million	–

The overall number of eCommerce sites in Brazil experienced a significant rise from 2019 to 2023. In 2019, there were 0.10 million eCommerce sites, and this number surged to 0.73 million by 2023, highlighting the rapid growth of the digital economy in Brazil.

The most notable increase in the YoY growth rate occurred in 2021 with an impressive 263.6% surge. This exceptional growth might be related to the COVID-19 pandemic, which forced many businesses to move their operations online due to lockdowns and social distancing measures.

After the significant growth in 2021, there were still substantial increases in the following years. The YoY growth rate was 51.7% in 2022 and 36.9% in 2023, suggesting a sustained growth of eCommerce in Brazil even after the immediate impacts of the pandemic.

The period from 2019 to 2020 saw a relatively modest growth rate of 10.2%, which contrasts with the dramatic increase in the following years. This demonstrates the transformative impact external factors such as the pandemic can have on the eCommerce landscape.

4. How Many eCommerce Sites Are There in Germany?

There are more than 0.72 million eCommerce sites in Germany alone, with more and more being created daily.

Year	Stores	YoY Growth
2023	0.72 million	56.5%
2022	0.46 million	58.6%
2021	0.29 million	70.5%
2020	0.17 million	-6.4%
2019	0.18 million	–

From 2019 to 2023, there’s been a considerable surge in the number of eCommerce sites in Germany. The figures rose from 0.18 million in 2019 to 0.72 million in 2023, indicating a rapid expansion of the digital economy in the country.

There was a slight dip in the number of eCommerce sites in 2020, with a -6.4% YoY growth rate, possibly due to uncertainties related to the initial phase of the COVID-19 pandemic or other economic factors. However, the market rebounded impressively in the subsequent years, suggesting resilience and adaptability within the sector.

The largest increase in the YoY growth rate occurred in 2021, with a substantial surge of 70.5%. This dramatic increase aligns with global trends and is likely attributable to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, which necessitated a shift to online business operations due to lockdowns and social distancing rules.

Despite the high growth in 2021, the years 2022 and 2023 continued to see robust YoY growth rates of 58.6% and 56.5% respectively. These figures show sustained momentum in the growth of eCommerce in Germany, emphasizing the long-term shift towards digital commerce.

5. How Many eCommerce Sites Are There in Australia?

There are more than 0.65 million eCommerce sites in Australia alone, with more and more being created daily.

Year	Stores	YoY Growth
2023	0.65 million	62.5%
2022	0.4 million	60%
2021	0.25 million	78.5%
2020	0.14 million	0.6%
2019	0.14 million	–

The total number of eCommerce sites in Australia has significantly increased over this period. In 2019, there were 0.14 million sites, and this number expanded to 0.65 million by 2023. This shows the rapid progression of the digital economy in the country.

The most considerable increase in the YoY growth rate happened in 2021, with a rise of 78.5%. This substantial increase is likely linked to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, as many businesses turned to online operations due to social distancing measures and lockdowns.

The period from 2019 to 2020 saw a very modest growth rate of 0.6%. This minor increase is in stark contrast with the following years, illustrating the transformative impact of external events such as the pandemic on the eCommerce landscape.

Even after the peak growth in 2021, the YoY growth rates remained high in 2022 and 2023, at 60% and 62.5% respectively. These figures show that the momentum in eCommerce growth in Australia has been sustained, indicating a strong and lasting shift towards digital commerce.

6. How Many eCommerce Sites Are There in France?

There are more than 0.57 million eCommerce sites in France alone, with more and more being created daily.

Year	Stores	YoY Growth
2023	0.57 million	83.9 %
2022	0.31 million	82.4%
2021	0.17 million	54.5%
2020	0.11 million	-8.3%
2019	0.12 million	–

The overall number of eCommerce sites in France has seen a significant increase from 2019 to 2023. The number grew from 0.12 million in 2019 to 0.57 million in 2023, indicating a considerable expansion of the digital economy in the country.

There was a slight dip in the number of eCommerce sites in 2020, with a -8.3% YoY growth rate. This decrease could be attributed to uncertainties related to the initial phase of the COVID-19 pandemic or other economic factors. Nevertheless, the market rebounded impressively in the subsequent years, suggesting strong resilience within the sector.

The most notable increase in the YoY growth rate occurred in 2023, with a remarkable surge of 83.9%. This significant growth indicates a strong acceleration in the adoption of eCommerce in France, especially in the latter part of the time period.

The years 2021 and 2022 also saw considerable YoY growth rates of 54.5% and 82.4% respectively. This demonstrates sustained growth in eCommerce adoption in France, emphasizing the ongoing shift towards online business operations.

7. How Many eCommerce Sites Are There in Russia?

There are more than 0.55 million eCommerce sites in Russia alone, with more and more being created daily.

Year	Stores	YoY Growth
2023	0.55 million	71.9%
2022	0.32 million	23.1%
2021	0.26 million	52.9%
2020	0.17 million	6.3%
2019	0.16 million	–

From 2019 to 2023, there’s been a significant rise in the number of eCommerce sites in Russia. The figures rose from 0.16 million in 2019 to 0.55 million in 2023, indicating a substantial increase in the digital economy in the country.

The largest YoY growth rate was observed in 2023, with an impressive surge of 71.9%. This considerable growth suggests a strong continuation in the adoption of eCommerce in Russia, especially in the latter part of the analyzed period.

The period from 2019 to 2020 saw a relatively modest growth rate of 6.3%, which contrasted sharply with the subsequent surges in 2021 (52.9%) and 2022 (23.1%). This data may point to the influence of external events, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, which have accelerated the shift towards online business operations.

Despite the high growth in 2021, the YoY growth rate in 2022 decreased to 23.1%. However, this was followed by a remarkable rebound in 2023, showing resilience and sustained growth potential within the eCommerce sector.

8. How Many eCommerce Sites Are There in Italy?

There are more than 0.49 million eCommerce sites in Italy alone, with more and more being created daily.

Year	Stores	YoY Growth
2023	0.49 million	75.0%
2022	0.28 million	75.0%
2021	0.16 million	228.6%
2020	0.07 million	-12.5%
2019	0.08 million	–

The number of eCommerce sites in Italy has shown significant growth from 2019 to 2023. The data indicate an increase from 0.08 million in 2019 to 0.49 million in 2023, which underscores a rapid expansion in the country’s digital economy.

The most substantial increase in the YoY growth rate occurred in 2021, with a surge of 228.6%. This tremendous growth could be attributed to external events such as the COVID-19 pandemic, which pushed businesses to shift towards online operations due to lockdowns and social distancing measures.

The years 2022 and 2023 both had an equally high YoY growth rate of 75.0%. This consistency suggests a sustained momentum in the growth of eCommerce in Italy, highlighting the lasting impact of the shift towards digital commerce.

There was a dip in the number of eCommerce sites in 2020, reflected by a negative growth rate of -12.5%. This may be due to the initial shocks and uncertainties brought about by the pandemic, but the sector showed remarkable resilience and bounced back in the following years.

9. How Many eCommerce Sites Are There in Canada?

There are more than 0.47 million eCommerce sites in Canada alone, with more and more being created daily.

Year	Stores	YoY Growth
2023	0.47 million	56.7%
2022	0.30 million	57.9%
2021	0.19 million	46.2%
2020	0.13 million	2.3%
2019	0.13 million	–

The number of eCommerce sites in Canada has consistently grown from 2019 to 2023, increasing from 0.13 million in 2019 to 0.47 million in 2023. This depicts the consistent and substantial expansion in Canada’s digital economy over the years.

The highest YoY growth rates were observed in 2022 and 2023, at 57.9% and 56.7% respectively. These considerable increases may be attributed to factors such as the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, which has caused a shift towards online operations due to imposed lockdowns and social distancing measures.

There was a significant jump in the growth rate from 2.3% in 2020 to 46.2% in 2021, suggesting that this period might have been a turning point for eCommerce in Canada, potentially as a result of the adaptation to the pandemic situation.

Despite the fluctuating growth rates, the overall trend is one of increasing growth, highlighting the continued expansion and resilience of the eCommerce sector in Canada.

10. How Many eCommerce Sites Are There in India?

There are more than 0.43 million eCommerce sites in India alone, with more and more being created daily.

Year	Stores	YoY Growth
2023	0.43 million	226.3%
2022	0.19 million	58.3%
2021	0.12 million	71.4%
2020	0.07 million	75.0%
2019	0.04 million	–

From 2019 to 2023, the number of eCommerce sites in India increased dramatically. The data shows growth from 0.04 million in 2019 to 0.43 million in 2023, highlighting an exceptional expansion in India’s digital commerce landscape.

The most significant YoY growth occurred in 2023 with a leap of 226.3%. This substantial increase indicates an explosive rise in eCommerce adoption, most likely accelerated by the continuous improvements in internet connectivity and digital literacy across the country.

The growth rate has consistently increased each year since 2019, showcasing the robust and enduring growth of the eCommerce sector in India. The rise from 75.0% in 2019 to 226.3% in 2023 illustrates this dramatic expansion.

Notably, even before the dramatic growth in 2023, the eCommerce sector in India was growing at a relatively high pace, with growth rates of 75.0% in 2019, 71.4% in 2020, and 58.3% in 2021.

What Is the Worldwide E-commerce Platform Market Share?

Shopify is the #1 most popular eCommerce site-building technology taking more than 15% of the market share with almost 4 million sites using it. WooCommerce and Squarespace Ecommerce hold 13.85% and 4.74% respectively.

Shopify and WooCommerce are the most popular eCommerce suite building technologies, accounting for 15.23% and 13.85% market share, respectively.

Squarespace eCommerce followed (4.74%) and Ecwid with a 3.55% market share.

All other platforms account for just over 62% of the market.

Rank	Technology	Websites	Market Share
1.	Shopify	3,986,100	15.23%
2.	WooCommerce	3,624,600	13.85%
3.	SquareSpace eCommerce	1,241,300	4.74%
4.	Ecwid	928,800	3.55%
5.	OpenCart	457,800	1.75%
6.	PrestaShop	317,600	1.21%
7.	Zen Cart	197,900	0.76%
8.	Magento	189,100	0.72%
9.	Weebly eCommerce	147,800	0.56%
10.	BigCommerce	53,000	0.20%

Shopify technology is used by almost 4 million websites.

WooCommerce is a little behind with just over 3.6 million websites.

SquareSpace’s eCommerce technology is used by just over 1.2 million websites.

These are the only 3 platforms that exceed 1 million.

All other eCommerce site builders are used by less than 1 million websites.

Conclusions: Our Findings

So, a lot could be learned from this eCommerce sites analysis.

But the most important findings are:

Other Useful Resources:

1. What Are the Largest eCommerce Companies?
2. 9 Mind-Blowing Worldwide eCommerce Statistics
3. What Are E-commerce Product Return Rates?
4. What Is the Average Shopping Cart Abandonment Rate?
5. What Is The Average eCommerce Conversion Rate?