Trader Joe's Named Consumer Favorite, ALDI the Value Leader, Shoprite Tops for Promotions

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Trader Joe’s named consumer favorite, ALDI the value leader, ShopRite tops for promotions

May 13, 2015

Trader Joe’s continues to build a loyal following with its diverse grocery selection and exceptionally friendly service. A study of more than 7,200 consumers by Market Force Information, a worldwide leader in customer intelligence solutions, found that Trader Joe’s is the favorite U.S. grocery retailer for the third year in a row. Publix ranked a close second and ALDI was third.

In addition to Trader Joe’s, Publix and ALDI, Hy-Vee and H-E-B rounded out the top five spots This is the third straight year that Trader Joe’s and Publix led the rankings. Brands such as WinCo Foods, Albertsons and Sam’s Club made this year’s list, after failing to garner enough mentions in 2014.

With its neighborhood feel, zealous customer service, and an array of exotic and affordable food items, Trader Joe’s has built a following of devoted customers. The Greater Los Angeles-based chain has outlined an aggressive growth plan that calls for opening more than two-dozen stores in the next year.

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Ranking of favorite grocery store chains.

Market Force looked at the operational and service attributes that set leading grocery brands apart, and found Publix and Trader Joe’s led in many key areas, including cashier courtesy, speedy checkouts and cleanliness. ALDI, WinCo Foods and Costco led in the value category, while ShopRite was rated highest for sales and promotions. H-E-B, Hy-Vee and Kroger also performed well in most areas.

“In the fiercely competitive grocery industry, customer satisfaction is the one measure that can tell you if you’re delivering on your brand promise or falling short,” Cheryl Flink, chief strategy officer for Market Force, said in a press release. “Our research revealed that one in eight shoppers were disappointed with their most recent visit to their primary grocer, leaving ample room for improvement. This is especially impactful when you consider that delighted customers are 2.4 times more likely to recommend their grocer to others.”

As consumers adopt more healthy eating habits, organic and locally sourced products grow in importance. The study found that 48 percent prefer to buy organic products when given a choice. Produce is by far the most popular organic item — 90 percent said they had purchased it in the previous 30 days.