Publix Ties For ‘America’s Favorite’ Grocery Store Honors

LAKELAND, FL — After stalling in second place for four years running, Lakeland-based Publix has been named “America’s favorite” grocery store in an annual survey conducted by Market Force. The popular chain, however, shares the title with Rochester, N.Y.-based Wegmans.

This year’s Market Force survey was conducted online in March 2017. A total of 12,774 consumers were included in the survey that dove into questions about such topics as store cleanliness, employee courtesy, convenience and more. Survey responses are tallied to create a store’s “Customer Loyalty Index,” which is then used to create the rankings.

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Publix and Wegmans both earned a 77-percent index score to earn the right to share the coveted number one position. Trader Joe’s, which once held first place, came in a close second with a score of 76 percent. Third-place honors went to H-E-B, followed by ALDI and Harris Teeter in fourth and fifth places, respectively.

Publix earned high marks among survey takers on such points as cleanliness, fast checkouts, availability of items and ease of finding items. “The chain’s engaged and friendly associates help deliver on its ‘Where shopping is a pleasure’ motto,” Market Force explained of Publix’s rise to the top.

In the overall rankings, Market Force's list includes 23 different chains from across the country. Walmart came in last place with a Customer Loyalty Index of 31 percent. It was also ranked last in the 2016 survey.

To check out the full survey results, visit Market Force online.

What’s your favorite grocery store? Tell us by commenting below!

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