Surprising Harris Poll: The retailer with the best corporate reputation is…

The nation’s top Internet retailer is also tops in corporate reputation.



Amazon.com bested Apple and Google to take the spot in The Harris Poll 2016 Reputation Quotient Summary Report, an annual study of corporate reputation ratings for the 100 most visible U.S. companies. It’s the eighth consecutive year the online giant has ranked in the Top 10. The only other retailer in the Top 10 was Publix Super Markets, which placed sixth overall. (The full ratings for the 100 most visible companies can be found here.)



In all, 23 retailers spanning a variety of categories appear on Harris Poll’s list of corporate reputation ratings with RQ scores ranging from “excellent” to “poor.” The survey also ranked the retailers with the best reputation in their particular category:



• Apparel: Nike

• Mass/club: Costco;

• Drug: CVS Health;

• Grocery: Publix Super Markets; and

• Specialty: Lowe’s.



According to the study, retailers, on average, are strong performers with regard to their products and services.



Individually, retail leaders excel in different reputational aspects. For example, Publix receives high marks for its workplace environment, compared to other reputation dimensions, and consumers recognize Nike for its vision and leadership. Costco excels for its financial performance.



Click here for more retail industry highlights from the survey.