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Both Trader Joe’s and Costco’s have very high satisfaction rates among consumers. Here’s why these stores are so beloved. 

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Deciding where to shop is a very personal choice, as you’ll need to make the decision about which stores deserve some of your hard-earned cash. Before you break out the credit cards, it can be worth looking at where your fellow Americans like to shop so you can get some idea of which stores go the extra distance to make customers happy.

Winsight Grocery Business conducted a consumer satisfaction survey and, for 2023, the data is clear. There are two stores that are absolutely fan favorites.

Here’s what they are, as well as some insight into why so many Americans are happy to tap into their bank accounts to buy products from them.

1. Trader Joe’s

According to Winsight’s American Customer Satisfaction Survey, Trader Joe’s had the highest rating of any grocery store when it comes to consumer satisfaction. Trader Joe’s had an 84% satisfaction rating in 2023, down from 85% in 2022. This was well above the average 76% rating for all supermarkets.

It’s easy to see why so many people love Trader Joe’s. The store offers a variety of healthy foods on a budget, including many house-brand offerings you can’t find elsewhere. In fact, almost every aisle of Trader Joe’s has specialty items that are unique to the store, from its Pub Cheese and Unexpected Cheddar to its Blondies Mix in the baking aisle to the Pizza Parlano and Pastry Puffs in its frozen food section.

Trader Joe’s also offers food samples, and most of its employees are friendly, helpful, and willing to go the extra mile to ensure customer satisfaction.

2. Costco

Costco comes a very close second to Trader Joe’s in terms of consumer preferences. The store received an 82% satisfaction rating in 2023, up from 81% in 2022. It was also well above average, and it beat out similar warehouse clubs such as Sam’s and BJ’s, both of which had a satisfaction rating of 79%.

Costco also has plenty going for it, which explains why consumers love the store so much. Unlike Trader Joe’s, which has a very limited number of locations, Costco stores are widespread throughout the U.S. so most people can find one that’s close to them. And while you do have to pay for a membership, you get a lot for the money including not just grocery and household items but even the chance to buy discounted automobiles or score low-priced vacation packages.

Costco, like Trader Joe’s, also offers unique and delicious house-brand products through its Kirkland brand. Like Trader Joe’s, Costco also makes samples available. And it has an amazing return policy, with the ability to return almost anything you buy at any time if it doesn’t meet your needs. You get all this, and you also get to enjoy its famous $1.50 hot dog and soda combo deal when you shop.

Both of these stores are clearly doing something right, since consumers are so satisfied with shopping there. And if you want to benefit from low prices, great customer service, and unique product offerings, it may be worth checking out the Costco and Trader Joe’s stores in your local area to see if they can earn your business.

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The Ascent does not cover all offers on the market. Editorial content from The Ascent is separate from The Motley Fool editorial content and is created by a different analyst team.Christy Bieber has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Costco Wholesale. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

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