Walmart among retailers playing ‘truly essential’ role during COVID-19

Three retail giants rank among the top 10 companies that played a truly essential role during the COVID-19 crisis.

The Harris Poll released The Harris Poll Essential 100, a ranking of corporate response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Americans said 100 leading companies played a truly essential role during the crisis. The top 10, based on the survey, are (in order): U.S. Postal Service, Clorox, Google, UPS, Walmart, Amazon, Purell, Microsoft, FedEx and CVS.

Other retailers that made the top 100 include Walgreens (15), Lowe’s (21), The Home Depot (23), Target (29), Best Buy (32), Costco (34), Kroger (38), Aldi (44), Dollar General (45), Sam’s Club (48), Whole Foods Market (52), Trader Joe’s (66), Nike (73) Publix (86), eBay (92), Macy’s (93) and Starbucks (94).

The Essential 100 rated companies based on their resolve, integrity, responsiveness and permanence. What is clear from the survey, according to The Harris Poll, is corporate America is seen as part of the solution today, rather than the problem, as was the case during the 2008 financial crisis.

"When they needed it the most, Americans put their trust in the business community to help them through COVID-19," said John Gerzema, CEO of The Harris Poll. "We've seen widespread approval of the corporate response to the pandemic – whether pivoting to different goods and services, reinforcing supply chains, or seeking cures for the deadly virus."

The survey also shows that the reputation of companies during COVID-19 has improved in every sector and that trust in business is at a high.

To download the full report, click here.