ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) — When it comes to where Americans prefer to shop for groceries, consumers have traded one top competitor for the other, according to one study.
Trader Joe’s is now No. 1 in customer satisfaction, bumping Publix to No. 2, the American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI) Retail and Consumer Shipping Study 2026 indicates.
“Given the retailer’s continued national expansion efforts, which can often strain operations and jeopardize consistency, Trader Joe’s manages to maintain its hallmark customer experience, reinforcing its strong brand loyalty even amid growth,” the study says.
Publix scored an 84, unchanged from last year. Meanwhile, Trader Joe’s advanced 2% to an 86.
When it comes to customer experience, shoppers are most concerned with how convenient store hours are, if it’s easy to pick up an order and whether the mobile app is reliable, according to the study.
Across several industries, the study notes that retailers are now dealing with a “more disciplined, value-focused shopper,” particularly among Gen Z.
“These individuals are starting holiday shopping earlier, avoiding last-minute splurges, and trading down to discount and thrift options to stretch every dollar,” Forrest Morgeson, ACSI’s director of research emeritus, said. “Together, these shifts are tightening the field between retail winners and laggards and rewarding brands that deliver clear value and a smooth experience online and in store.”
These are the top 10 grocery stores, according to the study:
Trader Joe’s PublixH-E-BSam’s Club/WalmartAldiCostcoWhole Foods/AmazonShopRiteTargetAhold Delhaize (Owner of Food Lion, Giant Food, The GIANT Company, Hannaford and Stop & Shop)
Publix has about 220 Georgia locations. Meanwhile, Trader Joe’s has about 10, all of which are concentrated in the metro Atlanta area.
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