10 most influential retailers

In an age when the internet has become another outlet for shopping and retail, it is easy for multiples, department stores and independent boutiques to get lost in the shuffle. However, 10 retailers maintain a global perspective, fresh business strategy and, most importantly, desirable merchandise - keeping traffic in-store and not online. WGSN presents our picks of the top 10 influential retailers.

Inditex, Spain
Though Gap was long entrenched as the world's leading retailer, in the past few years Zara has pushed its way to the top. Its inexpensive, fast-fashion looks have garnered a following of young females, while its men's, lingerie and home stores have cemented it as a market leader. Spanish owner Inditex also owns the Massimo Dutti and Uterqüe names.

Topshop, UK
Topshop leads the fast-fashion sector with inexpensive, accessible designs for women of all ages. A trend-setting innovator in its own right, the chain also supports new, independent designers - from recent fashion graduates to model Kate Moss. With the much-anticipated Manhattan store launching next year, Topshop will soon be a household name in the US.

Niketown, US
The biggest and most recognisable sports brand in the world created Niketown, an activewear mecca that changed the way customers perceived sports stores. The New York flagship is a monobrand department store, alive with memorabilia, special events and interactive games and services. Several Niketown locations also sponsor group jogs, uniting runners of all ages and capabilities, while encouraging healthy lifestyle and community service.

Abercrombie & Fitch, US
Staffed by fit, topless men and miniskirted girls, sex is the unique selling point at Abercrombie & Fitch. The unremarkable polos, Oxfords and torn tees are a mere souvenir of a visit to these retail nightclubs, which seem to purposely pump loud music, dim lights and spray cologne in order to thwart parents from entering. An incredible example of how clever branding can be a key driver of sales.

Primark, UK
Originally known as a great place to get cheap basics, Primark now produces cutting-edge fashion that is coveted by shoppers worldwide. Make no mistake, Primark is a slick business that perfects trends, with new, competitively priced stock rolling in daily.

United Arrows, Japan
The multibrand store group is the first stop for progressive US and European brands pushing into Japan. United Arrows works intimately with its suppliers, adapting and manufacturing designs to be a better fit for each audience. Some European firms sell these designs back in Europe, which may persuade the Japanese group to open a store there.

Fred Segal, US
At the LA superstar superstore, there is always something going on - a launch party, an exhibition, a visual merchandising milestone. Also a great place for celeb-spotting, Fred Segal is a Californian institution, inspiring a relaxed but upscale retail experience, and making West Coast labels Juicy Couture and C&C California the lifestyle brands they are today.

Comme des Garçons, Japan
The past few years have seen a continual evolution of inspiration from Comme des Garçons retail, but, in particular, we were transfixed by the guerrilla stores that showed up in some unexpected places. Now a short term, or pop-up, store is a common marketing device, with everyone from Target to Uniqlo jumping on the bandwagon, but Comme des Garçons certainly set the creativity bar with its surprising merchandising mix and simple concepts.

Joyce, China
Joyce is an incredibly sophisticated multibrand retailer that combines avant-garde styling and creativity with careful editing. A delight to shop in, our favourite sites include its flagship in Hong Kong and its more recent Shanghai boutique on Nanjing Xi Road.

Colette, France
With its new minimalistic look, Colette in Paris embodies the concept of "retail therapy". Combining innovative fashion buying with brilliantly edited lifestyle collections - including cosmetics, art, electronics and books - the store allows customers to lose themselves in the experience. This autumn's collaboration with Gap will cement the retailer's place in the spotlight, and also expose it to a growing American audience devoted to French fashion.

http://www.wgsn.com