One hundred and forty one billion dollars. That's the estimated brand value of Walmart, according to Interbrand's "Best Global Brands" report. The annual study ranks the 50 most valuable U.S. retail brands, along with the top store brands in countries around the world.

Madison, Ala., city officials didn't want just any development for its last available commercial tract, a 28-acre property along a major thoroughfare. They wanted to bring in retailers currently unavailable in the area.

They approached Target and Brentwood, Tenn.-based GBT Realty Corp., a developer known for its Target-anchored developments.

"Madison told us they wanted Target," explained George B. Tomlin, president and CEO of GBT Realty. "If you help us, they said, we'll participate financially in the development of the property."

In an era where brick-and-mortar retailers face increasing challenges from the Internet and a still slow recovery, they must rely on their real estate staff — particularly those under the age of 40 — more than ever before. These professionals, who bridge the "tried-and-true" methods of their mentors and the technology-driven next generation, are creating the stores, the shopping centers, the streets of today and tomorrow.

As part of Von Maur's march beyond its core Heartland markets, in 2008 it opened a 130,000-sq.-ft. anchor store at the 1.1 million-sq.-ft. The Greene Town Center, located in Beavercreek, Ohio, and owned by MPI. That store has become the fashion heartbeat of a vibrant mixed-use destination that was originally built by MPI in 2006, expanded in 2008, and slated to expand again in 2014 with another 40,000 sq. ft. of retail.

Store development and facilities professionals from some of the nation's biggest retail and restaurant chains gathered in Dallas to attend Chain Store Age's 49th annual SPECS Conference, at the Hilton Anatole Hotel. The event attracted professionals involved in the design, planning, and construction of stores and restaurants, along with those in facilities management.