Fewer retailers among Fortune’s ‘Best Companies’ list

The retail industry continued to backslide on Fortune’s list of the 100 Best Companies to Work For, but the slight may not be as bad as it seems.

The 2015 version of the list included 10 retailers compared to 12 retailers on the 2014 version and 14 retailers on the 2013 version. Notable inclusions on the 2015 list were Wegman’s (7), Container Store (27), QuikTrip (54),Whole Foods Market (55), Recreational Equipment (58), Build-A-Bear (59), CarMax (64), Publix (81), Zappos (86) and Nordstrom (93).

The list is compiled by Fortune and the Great Place to Work Institute and the reason the industry shouldn’t beat itself up for a poor showing is because of the manner in which the list is compiled. To be included, a company has to submit an application and conduct a survey of employees using a research tool supplied by the Institute. The organization doesn’t disclose the number of applications from which the top 100 list was compiled or the volume of entries from retailers. Consequently, a retailers with favorable rates of pay, good benefits, rewarding work and attractive growth potential won’t make the list if they don’t submit an application.

To access the list, click here.