2010 Top 100: Retail

In addition to appearing as No. 1 on our Retail list, Wal-Mart was named the most valuable U.S. retail brand in a 2010 report from Interbrand Design Forum. This marks Wal-Mart's second year on top of the list, however, the bigger news here is how much its brand value increased in just one year. The economic downturn made the retailer even more relevant to a greater number of shoppers and its store remodel program "Project Impact" -- less inventory, wider aisles, lack of in-aisle displays -- paid off in high same-store sales. Overall, Wal-Mart grew its brand value by 19 percent, or $25 billion, to $154 billion. At No. 2 on the Most Valuable Retail Brand list, Target Corporation built brand value this year with a 49 percent increase. As a brand-led company, Target focused on improving its operations to boost performance in the face of reduced growth without compromising brand. The company streamlined its assets, according to what matters most to the Target customer.