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Trader Joe's Tops ACSI Supermarket Rankings, Overtaking Publix

The annual survey of more than 30,000 shoppers reports broad stability in customer sentiment, with only three grocers posting year-over-year gains.

Overview

  • Trader Joe's scored 86, up two from 2025, leading the list despite a footprint of about 600 stores in 43 states.
  • Publix ranked second at 84, and H‑E‑B climbed to 83 for third after a one‑point gain.
  • Only three retailers improved year over year — Save‑a‑Lot, Trader Joe's, and H‑E‑B — according to ACSI.
  • Costco held at 81 while Target fell to 79, and Wegmans saw the sharpest drop from 83 to 78.
  • Walmart stayed at 75, and reporting also noted John Furner’s move to CEO after Doug McMillon resigned, while separate Dunnhumby research recently put H‑E‑B first.