Apple Store climbs in annual retail ranking

Chain Store Age Magazine publishes an annual list of the 100 largest U.S. retail chains. As you'd expect in the rather stodgy retail biz, there were few changes in this year's list except for one company -- Apple. Apple's retail business jumped from 57th place on the list last year to 34th place in 2011. The results are based on 2010 revenues of US$9.82 billion.

The top 20 companies on the list are almost exactly the same as they were last year, with a few position swaps here and there. Apple, not unexpectedly considering the rate of new Apple Store openings, was a lone exception.

Like Apple, many retailers are looking internationally for opportunities to grow revenues. Some retailers are downsizing or reducing the number of stores; once again, Apple appears to be bucking this trend by upsizing and adding stores.

The full survey from Chain Store Age Magazine can be downloaded here for further study.