The first 10–To start the list, take a look at the special report in this issue of License! Global (see "In The Bag: Retailers Drive Sales with Branded Collaborations") that exemplifies the scope of licensed fashion at retail. "In the Bag" looks at 10 creative apparel properties that have had an impact in the marketplace at retailers such as Banana Republic, Old Navy, Dorothy Perkins, Guess, Forever 21, Macy's, Nordstrom, Gap, JCPenney and Sears.

The second 10–The annual "Hot Retailers" list, recently released by National Retail Federation, Stores magazine and Kantar Retail, identifies the fastest growing companies based on annual sales increases. It also reinforces the importance of specialty apparel, indicates what retailers resonate with consumers and where potential opportunities for licensed products may exist. Bi-Lo, lululemon athletica and H&M were among the fastest-growing retailers, along with Michael Kors Holdings, Sprout's Farmer's Market, Apple Stores, Under Armour, Amazon, Heizberg's Diamond Shops and Fresh Market rounding out top 10.

The third 10–Ten retailers that have remained on the NRF's Hot List for eight consecutive years–and certainly constitute a solid list for brand licensing–include Amazon.com. Ascena Retail Group, O'Reilly Automotive, Urban Outfitters, J.Crew, Tractor Supply, Dick's Sporting Goods, Dollar Tree, Ross Stores and PetSmart.

The fourth 10–NRF's Hot 100 List also ranks the fastest-growing restaurants, which also offer strong opportunities for brand extensions such as Jimmy John's, Cheddar's Casual Café, Buffalo Wild Wings, Chipotle Mexican Grill, Panda Restaurant Group (Panda Express), Noodles & Company, Zaxby's Franchising, Wingstop Restaurants, BJ's Restaurants and Chick-fil-A.

The last 10–While expansion into Russia might be unrealistic for some companies, the opportunities do exist and will continue to become more important. According to retail analyst RNG, the formal Russian retail market represented a $715 billion marketplace in 2012. The top 10 retailers might be unfamiliar names at present, but considering the continued globalization of retailing and brand licensing, it might not be too many more years before some of these retailers become well known to executives in all major territories. The list includes X5 Retail Group, Magnit, Auchan, Metro, DIXY Group, M.video, O'Key, Lenta, Svyaznoy and Euroset. RNG estimates these retailers generated $71.8 billion in sales in 2012.