A grocer known for its affordability and viral tote bags has staved off competition from Publix and Costco to become America’s favorite supermarket.
Trader Joe’s surpassed Publix as the number one retailer in town with a satisfaction rating of 86 points – up two points from 2025, according to the American Customer Satisfaction Index.
Publix has failed to retain its title that it clinched last year in the annual survey, which consists of votes from more than 30,000 Americans.
Trader Joe’s, founded in California in 1967, is known for its affordability, friendly in-store vibes, and its tote bags, which have generated a cult following with over 600 locations in 43 states.
Bosses achieved the feat despite having fewer stores than Publix, which operates 1,432 store locations across the southeastern US, and Costco.
Publix has stayed the same at 84 points, while Texas-based H-E-B is in the bronze medal position just one point behind.
Costco has remained static with a satisfaction rate of 81 points, while Target’s score of 79 is actually down one percentage point.
Brands such as Sam’s Club, Aldi, and Whole Foods are all in the top 10.
Wegman’s saw the steepest decline over the past year – dropping from 83 points to 78.
Only three retailers – Save-a-Lot, Trader Joe’s, and H-E-B – improved on last year’s score, according to the survey.
Walmart has a satisfaction rating of 75 points – the same as last year. The supermarket giant now has a new CEO in John Furner following Doug McMillon’s resignation.
Meanwhile, H-E-B was ranked the number one grocer in the US for the fifth time in nine years in Dunnhumby’s rankings released last month.
