A Texas-based supermarket has once again been named America’s most-popular grocer, surpassing more widely-recognized brands such as Trader Joe’s and Costco, according to Dunnhumby’s annual ranking of popular grocery stores.
H-E-B, a chain of supermarkets based in San Antonio, has been named the country’s top grocery store for the fifth time in nine years. This year also marks the ninth annual Dunnhumby supermarket ranking, which means that H-E-B has been named the top grocer more times than any other chain on the ranking. The chain has remained family owned since its incorporation in 1905 and currently totals 440 stores nationwide. H-E-B is “firmly entrenched as the top retailer due to its superior ability to deliver a combination of better savings, quality, experience, and assortment,” according to the ranking. Its position in the top slot means it’s more widely patronized than more “mainstream,” widely-known chains such as Amazon, Costco, Trader Joes, and Wegmans.
But the local love didn’t stop at H-E-B, as two more regional chains filled out the top three. Market Basket, a Massachusetts-based chain, took second place; and Wisconsin-based grocer Woodman’s Markets placed third. Then came the more recognizable chains: Costco at number four; Aldi at number five; followed by WinCo Foods; Trader Joe’s; Amazon; Wegmans; and, rounding out the top 10, ShopRite. Notably slipping down this year’s ranking was Amazon, which took first place on Dunnhumby’s ranking in 2021 and 2022. Sam’s Club likewise dropped six places, out of the top 10.
“For the first time, the leading three retailers in the United States are all regional chains,” Dunnhumby noted.
In order to tabulate the ranking, the financial performance of 81 major American grocery stores was evaluated along with survey responses from more than 11,000 shoppers in the country. The survey included questions about pricing, quality of items, convenience, store operations, and the ease of online ordering. The surveys also found that “shopper confidence” has declined over the last year due to a combination of rising prices, limited job opportunities, and stagnant wages. Overall, food prices were up by 3.1 percent from this time last year.
“Consumers across all income levels are feeling the squeeze and making more price-conscious choices,” said Matt O’Grady, president of the Americas for Dunnhumby, in a statement accompanying the ranking. “In this environment, building trust with American shoppers has never been more critical.”
