America’s favorite grocery retailer is….

Louisville, Colo. -- Trader Joe’s is America’s favorite grocery retailer for the third year in a row, according to a study of more than 7,200 consumers by Market Force Information. Publix ranked a close second and Aldi was third.



For the rankings, Market Force asked participants to rate their satisfaction with their most recent grocery shopping experience and their likelihood to refer that grocer to others. The results were averaged to rank each brand on a Composite Loyalty Index. Trader Joe’s took the No. 1 spot out of the 14 grocery chains studied, with a score of 78%, and was closely followed by Publix with 74%. Aldi, Hy-Vee and H-E-B rounded out the top five. This is the third straight year that Trader Joe’s and Publix led the rankings.



Brands such as WinCo Foods, Albertsons and Sam’s Club made this year’s list, after failing to garner enough mentions in 2014.




With its neighborhood feel, zealous customer service, and an array of exotic and affordable food items, Trader Joe’s has built a following of devoted customers, Market Force noted. The greater Los Angeles-based chain has outlined an aggressive growth plan that calls for opening more than 24 stores in the next year.



In operational and service attributes, Publix and Trader Joe’s led in many key areas, including cashier courtesy, speedy checkouts and cleanliness. Aldi, WinCo Foods and Costco led in the value category, while ShopRite was rated highest for sales and promotions. H-E-B, Hy-Vee and Kroger also performed well in most areas.



“In the fiercely competitive grocery industry, customer satisfaction is the one measure that can tell you if you’re delivering on your brand promise or falling short,” said Cheryl Flink, chief strategy officer for Market Force. “Our research revealed that one in eight shoppers were disappointed with their most recent visit to their primary grocer, leaving ample room for improvement. This is especially impactful when you consider that delighted customers are 2.4 times more likely to recommend their grocer to others.”



In other survey findings:



• Mobile app adoption in the space continues to gain traction. Thirty-nine percent of shoppers have used a grocery app, primarily to obtain coupons and scan barcodes, and seldom to build lists or research nutritional facts. Of those, 23% are using the app provided by their primary grocer. However, shoppers are beginning to adopt apps that compare grocers, such as Checkout 51 and Saving Star.



• The click-and-collect model, which involves ordering online and picking up curbside, appears to be building a loyal and satisfied following. Only 5% have used click-and-collect, but 75% of those said they were highly satisfied with the experience and more than half are repeat users



• The printed circular is as popular as ever. Nearly half of consumers are reviewing them once a week, and 16% are reviewing them three to four times a week. The circulars also influencing where and how consumers shop. Eighty percent said they plan their shopping trips based on what is in the circulars, 67% clip coupons from them and 63% use them to compare prices between grocers.



The study was designed to uncover consumers’ grocery-shopping habits, including the brands they prefer, why they prefer one to another, how they engage with various grocers and their social media use.