EBAY vs GWW Comparison

Founded in 1995, eBay operates one of the world's largest online marketplaces, connecting buyers and sellers across more than 190 markets. In 2025, the firm generated $11.1 billion in revenue on nearly $80 billion of gross merchandise volume, serving 135 million active buyers and 18 million active sellers (users who closed at least one transaction in the past year). The firm monetizes its marketplace primarily through transaction fees and advertising, with 52% of revenue derived from the US and the remainder from international markets. In a bid to expand its reach among Generation Z and in the recommerce sector, eBay announced the $1.2 billion acquisition of fashion resale app Depop from Etsy in early 2026.

Founded in 1927, W.W. Grainger originally distributed various motors via a mail-order catalogue. Over the course of the 20th century, the firm expanded into new industrial product categories and launched its first digital catalogue in 1995. Today, the company organizes itself into two segments focused on different customer bases. Its larger segment, high-touch solutions, offers a vast array of maintenance, repair, and operations, or MRO, supplies and bespoke inventory management services to larger businesses. Its smaller segment, endless assortment, operates two online platforms, Zoro and MonotaRO, that offer comprehensive catalogues of MRO supplies to smaller businesses. Grainger has operations throughout the world but primarily generates sales within the US.