Walmart’s online sales surge during the pandemic, bolstering its place as a strong No. 2 to Amazon

Walmart’s years of investing billions in integrating stores and e-commerce have paid off handsomely during this pandemic.

The retailer’s online sales in the U.S. rose 74% in the first quarter, as customers stocked up on essentials like food and cleaning products and items like toys, electronics, and home furnishings, attracted by the option of being able to drive up to a store to collect an order rather than venture in—or to simply order items on Amazon.

The news sent shares in Walmart, the No. 1 company on the Fortune 500, up 2% on Tuesday. They have risen 24% since the