Grocer wars: Trader Joe's leads

When it comes to grocers, the hip California-based Trader Joe's is tops in customer satisfaction, followed by Publix Super Markets and Whole Food Markets.

All three grocers received high marks for courteous staff, inviting atmosphere and high-quality produce, according to the recent survey of 6,600 consumers by Market Force Information.

Lakeland-based Publix was first for cleanliness and courteous staff, but Florida's dominant grocer was second to Trader Joe's for atmosphere and quick checkout process.

Trader Joe's, based in Monrovia, Calif., landed a 4.8 satisfaction score out of 5 and a recommendation from nearly 95% of shoppers. (The chain has two locations on Florida's Gulf Coast, Naples and Sarasota, but it plans to open another in Tampa.)

Aldi dominated the price war. Winn-Dixie topped in the sales and promotional category.

When it comes to shoppers' perceptions of high quality, healthy product selection, natural-food grocer Whole Foods dominated across the board.

Wal-Mart Stores Inc. and Target were first for one-stop shopping. But Wal-Mart had the lowest satisfaction score of the 30 brands studied — even though it scored nearly four out of five, the highest possible score.

Convenience was voted the most important attribute for a grocery chain, followed by prices and sales and promotions.

“With most consumers satisfied with their grocery-shopping experiences, it makes for a very competitive playing field for grocers looking to distinguish themselves from the masses,” said Janet Eden-Harris, marketing chief for Market Force.

This story has been updated to correct that Trader Joe's has two locations on Florida's Gulf Coast: Sarasota and Naples.