The world's 10 best RETAIL BRANDS

Global retail brands have established themselves to be recognized in major markets across the globe. Many such retail brands have succeeded in selling the same product across multiple markets creating a strong and enduring relationship with not just locals but international customers as well. The Brand Finance, a definitive encyclopedia of brands has ranked retail companies based on their brand value. This is a list of the worlds best retail brands in 2012 according to Brand Finance. @Yahoo!

1. Walmart Walmart is one of the worlds largest retail brands and tops the list. The report states that the company serves its customers and club members more than 200 million times per week at more than 8,000 retail units under 53 different banners in 15 countries. Brand value: $38,320 million Brand rating: AA Enterprise value: $155,189 million Market capital: 24.7%

2. Amazon.com The e-commerce giant, Amazon is recognized as the worlds number one online retailer. The report states that the company sells three times as much as its nearest rivals, has the widest range of products as well as the fastest delivery times and often charges the lowest price. Brand value: $28,665 million Brand rating: AA+ Enterprise value: $94,398 million Market capital: 30.4%

3. The Home Depot The Home Depot is the worlds largest home improvement specialty retailer and is at number three. The report states that the store inventory consists of up to 40,000 different kinds of building materials, home improvement supplies, appliances and lawn and garden products. Brand value: $20,902 million Brand rating: AAEnterprise value: $62,521 million Market capital: 33.4%

4. Tesco UK-based grocery and general merchandising retail chain, Tesco is listed in the fourth spot. The report states that with operations in 14 countries, employing over 492,000 people and serving millions of customers every week. Brand value: $20,051 million Brand rating: AAAEnterprise value: $65,520 million Market capital: 30.6%

5. Target Target is a popular discount chain in the United States and is ranked at number five. The report states that Target operates nearly 1,750 stores in 49 states, including more than 240 Super Target stores that include an upscale grocery shopping experience. Brand value: $15,267 million Brand rating: AA Enterprise value: $52,484 million Market capital: 29.1%

6. IKEA The home furnishing company, IKEA is a fully integrated supply chain and follows at number six. The report states that since its foundation in 1943, the IKEA Group has grown into a global retail brand with 127,000 coworkers in 41 countries generating annual sales of more than 23.1 billion Euros and serving 626 million visitors in 2010. Brand value: $15,211 million Brand rating: AA-

7. Walgreens Walgreens, the largest drugstore chain in the United States service offerings include retail, mail and online pharmacy, in-store takecare clinics. The report states that the company has 244,000 employees and 8,046 locations as of 2010. Brand value: $11,564 million Brand rating: AAEnterprise value: $31,447 million Market capital: 36.8%

8. Sams Club Sams Club is a leading retail store which treats its customers with superior products and services. The report states that the company has 47 million members, employs around 100,000 people and operates around 600 retail locations, where members save an average of 30% over traditional retailers. Brand value: $11,517 million Brand rating: AAEnterprise value: $31,014 million Market capital: 37.1%

9. CVS CVS pharmacy is one of the leading retail brands in the world which is known for its innovative features and deals with over-the-counter drugs, vitamins and supplements, among other products. Brand value: $9,421 million Brand rating: AAEnterprise value: $50,587 million Market capital: 18.6%

10. ASDA ASDA is a British supermarket chain offering food, clothing, general merchandise, toys and financial services. The report states that the company has been named Britains Favourite Supermarket of the year at The Grocer Gold Awards the Oscars of the food and drink industry as well as being crowned Best Priced Supermarket for the 14th year running. Brand value: $9,406 million Brand rating: AAEnterprise value: $23,278 million Market capital: 40.4%