What’s a brand really worth? One retailer tops $129 billion

In addition to being the world’s largest retailer, Wal-Mart now tops the list as the ‘largest’ brand in retailing.  The recently released report indicates that Wal-Mart’s brand is now valued at $129.8 billion.  Its closest competitor, Best Buy, comes in at a ‘measly’ $22 billion.  Others in the list of 50 included Home Depot at $20.8 billion, Target Corp. at $17.1 billion and CVS Caremark Corp. at $12.6 billion.

So who cares, right? As marketers we do. A brand, although intangible is incredibly valuable.  I have said this numerous times, but it’s worth repeating.  Consumers don’t buy products, they  buy brands.  Why else do we want a Tiffany & Co. bracelet, when we can get a bracelet anywhere.  Given the current economic environment, it is more important than ever before to focus on building your brand, because after all, it’s  what consumers are going to buy.