Trader Joe’s Loses #1 Spot For Grocery Store Customer Satisfaction

Trader Joe's has its hardcore fans. Their unique products like Cookie Butter and Mandarin Orange Chicken, friendly staff at the cash register and cheap $3 bottles of wine have helped the chain grow from coast to coast. We have 2 locations here - the original location in Tampa and the second location in St. Pete. A third location will open in the next year in Palm Harbor.

Every year the American Custom Satisfaction Index releases its report of businesses with the best customer satisfaction rates. There's a big shake up this year at the #1 spot for grocery shopping. For years Trader Joe's has come out on top. Not this year. Not only did Trader Joe's drop out of the lead... 3 other grocery chains passed them for a 3 way tie for first place.

The odd part about this is Trader Joe's customer satisfaction score didn't change. It held steady at 84% for 2024. That's the exact same score Trader Joe's got last year. But three other grocery market chains stepped up their game. So who's in the 3 way tie for #1?

According to the ACSI, local favorite Publix has moved in to the top spot nationwide. Publix only has stores in less than 20% of the U.S., but they still managed to make the top of the list with an 85% customer satisfaction score. That's up 4% from their score last year in 2023. The Publix slogan "where shopping is a pleasure" seems to be true. But Publix wasn't the only one scoring that 85% customer satisfaction rating - giant retail club Costco and H-E-B, a grocery store chain very popular in Texas, both passed Trader Joe's this year.

Publix scored really well with customers on their in-store experience. That includes things like sta courtesy, cleanliness and ease of the store's layout. Costco and H-E-B did particularly well with offering value prices.

Other well known grocery store chains that made the top 10 include Sam's Club, BJ's Wholesale Club, Target and Wegmans, Whole Foods and Aldi. So who scored the poorest on the survey? According to the ACSI report, Walmart had only a 74% customer satisfaction score. In their defense, that's up a few points from last year.

For department stores, Macy's beat out Belk and Kohl's with a 82% customer satisfaction score. As for the discount stores, TJ Maxx and Marshalls beat out Big Lots, Burlington and Dollar Tree. In the "hypermarket" category, Target outscored Meijer, Kroger and Walmart.

For specialty retail, O'Reilly Auto Parts just barely beat Auto Zone in automotive. Ace Hardware and Tractor Supply tied for the top spot in hardware and home improvement. Hobby Lobby took #1 for the hobby and home category. When it comes to shopping for pets, Pet Supplies Plus outscored PetSmart and Petco. [Source: ACSI]

Trader Joe's die hard fans and customers have revealed their favorite products for 2023. For the 14th year, Trader Joe's released their Customer Choice Awards. They asked shoppers to pick their favorite item across nine categories: overall, beverage, cheese, entrée, household, produce, snack, sweet/dessert, and vegan/vegetarian. Surprisingly, the viral sensation Mandarin Orange Chicken, was not on the list! Here's the most popular products that Trader Joe's customers love.

You won't find the Mandarin Orange Chicken on this list because TJ retired it. Five other products that made the list in previous years have also excluded. The Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups, Peanut Butter Filled Pretzel Nuggets, Unexpected Cheddar, and Soy Chorizo are also living in retirement. To find their answers on their most popular products, Trader Joe's asked shoppers the important question:

The company had over 18,000 customers respond! Here's what made their favorite list. You can find these products at the Tampa or St. Pete Trader Joe's location.

[Source: Fox 13 News]

These spicy little scrolls made from stone ground corn masa that is cut, rolled, and fried to a captivating crunchiness—then generously dusted with hot chili & lime flavored seasoning.

TJ's Hashbrowns
Steamed Chicken Soup Dumplings
Everything but the Bagel Sesame Seasoning Blend - We use this on EVERYTHING (no pun intended)
4 Chocolate Croissants

This is a three-ingredient blend of 100% Honeycrisp apple juice, water, and bubbles. Too bad it's not on the shelf year-round.

Triple Ginger Brew (seasonal)
Sparkling Peach Black Tea with Peach Juice
Sparkling Cranberry & Ginger Beverage (seasonal)
Non-Dairy Brown Sugar Oat Creamer

This full-bodied English cheddar is mixed with onion marmalade for a memorable, sweet-savory bite.

Syrah Soaked Toscano
Baked Lemon Ricotta (seasonal)
Blueberry & Vanilla Chèvre
Brie (various)

Trader Joe's has the best pre-made meals around. This is an authentic Indian recipe that's mildly spiced and partnered with delicate, fragrant grains of Basmati rice.

Chicken Tikka Masala
Kung Pao Chicken
Butternut Squash Mac & Cheese (seasonal)
BBQ Teriyaki Chicken

Who doesn't love a scented candle? Trader Joe’s Scented Candles are made with a paraben-free, soy-wax blend imbued with sweet fragrance and hand-poured into a portable lidded tin. They burn for up to 20 hours and have the best seasonal scents!

Daily Facial Sunscreen
Ultra-Moisturizng Hand Cream
Tea Tree Tingle Shampoo & Conditioner
Shea Butter & Coconut Oil Hair Mask

Trader Joe's Organic Bananas are an incredible value at 25¢ each, every day!

Teeny Tiny Avocados
Honeycrisp Apples
Brussels Sprouts
Organic Carrots of Many Colors

We already told you how delicious this snack is!  It's perfect for picnics, beach days, work breaks, movie watching, and anything in between.

Organic Elote Corn Chip Dippers
Organic Corn Chip Dippers
World's Puffiest White Cheddar Corn Puffs - OUR FAVORITE
Crunchy Curls

Each crunchy cone is lined with smooth chocolate and filled with creamy ice cream—then dipped in a rich, chocolatey coating.

Danish Kringle (various)
Sublime Ice Cream Sandwiches
Chocolate Lava Cakes
Brookie

The most simple pesto recipe that's perfect for any vegan. Made with kale, cashew and basil. Add garlic to give it a little more flavor, or lemon juice to brighten it up.

Vegetable Fried Rice
Beefless Bulgogi
Palak Paneer
Cauliflower Gnocchi