America’s Top Retailers, according to USA Today
A broad swath of U.S customers have spoken and shared candid thoughts on which stores they love best.
America’s Top Retailers study, which is published by USA Today and research firm Plant-A, gleaned insights from roughly 45,000 consumers and more than 293,000 retailer interviews. Consumers were asked various questions about purchase paths, in-store experiences and overall customer service. The survey took approximately 10-15 minutes to complete and was conducted between January and March 2024.
USA Today explains the methodology behind ranking brick-and-mortar stores:
“Each retailer was evaluated on seven store experience categories including: product offer, price-value-ratio, customer service, atmosphere, accessibility and location, orientation and product display and loyalty programs. Companies received ratings of 5, 4½ and 4 stars and were ranked accordingly.”
The survey analyzed 23 distinct retail segments, including a Home Improvement, Equipment and Hardware Retail category. Thirty-five companies made the list in this category, achieving at least a four-star rating. Just five received five-star ratings from consumers:
- Benjamin Moore
- McCoy’s Building Supply
- Menards
- Northern Tool + Equipment
- Tempur Sealy
Twenty-three companies received four-and-a-half stars in the Home Improvement, Equipment and Hardware Retail category, including Carter Lumber, Franklin Building Supply, Home Depot, Lowe’s and True Value.
84 Lumber, which received a four-star distinction, said in a statement: “Being recognized by USA Today and Plant-A is such a sweet reward – knowing that our valued customers think highly of 84 Lumber and our associates makes all of our hard work worth it,” said 84 Lumber owner and CEO Maggie Hardy. “Our hard work and dedication to our customers is being recognized once again.”
The survey also examined online shops. Just three competitors in the Home Improvement, Equipment and Hardware Retail category made the five-star cut:
- baileysonline.com
- partselect.com
- poolsupplies.com
