9 Most Popular COVID-Response Grocery Stores—Ranked

A new survey reveals which national grocery store chains have improved the most in favorability during the coronavirus pandemic. The May 2020 survey was published by Magid Food & Beverage Consumer Insights Tracker, and polled 1,000 shoppers about their favorite grocery store options.  Perhaps not surprisingly, the vast majority of chains showed a sharp increase in favorability as the important and essential role that grocery stores play in day-t0-day society has been remarkably elevated during the coronavirus pandemic.

First reported by Supermarket News, the survey lists 22 retail chains that benefited from increased favorability from those polled. Again, this is the context of how these chains have reacted to the coronavirus outbreak and the increased importance that these institutions play.

"These retailers are putting the health and safety of their shoppers at the forefront and are doing their best to keep items in stock. They have effectively managed busier shopping times in stores, often designating special shopping hours for the elderly, and have limited the number of people that can be in a store at a time," said Steven Flynn, senior vice president of consumer and commercial brands at Magid, according to Supermarket News. Here are the national chains whose reputation and favorability have increased by 30% or higher according to the survey.

Amazon

Amazon Fresh and its grocery subsidiary Whole Foods finds itself at the top of the list. 41% of poll respondents see this brand as favorable, which is a whopping 30% increase from the previous poll. These Are Our Favorite Healthy Snacks on Amazon

H-E-B

This San Antonio-based chain came in as a surprising second place in the ratings. 38% of poll respondents see this brand as favorable, which is a noteworthy 17% increase from the previous poll. And by the way, these are the 9 Worst Grocery Store Chains to Shop at During the Pandemic.6254a4d1642c605c54bf1cab17d50f1e

Costco

Costco is a membership-only warehouse that appears to keep its customers happy. 36% of poll respondents see this brand as favorable, which is a noteworthy 25% increase from the previous poll. Here are 6 Things You May Never See at Costco Again.

Hy-Vee

The Midwestern chain logs in at fourth place in the most favorable grocery chain survey. 35% of poll respondents see this brand as favorable, which is a noteworthy 18% increase from the previous poll. Here is The #1 Way You're Spreading Germs at the Grocery Store

Walmart

The world's largest retailer represented itself well in this survey, coming in at 5th place overall. 35% of poll respondents see Walmart as favorable, which is a noteworthy 22% increase from the previous poll.  This is The #1 Worst Thing You Can Do While Shopping Walmart.

BJ's Wholesale

The Massachusettes-based wholesaler also did well. 33% of poll respondents see this brand as favorable, which is a noteworthy 29% increase from the previous poll. 10 Things You're Doing That Frustrate Grocery Store Workers

Publix

32% of poll respondents see Publix as a favorable brand, which is a noteworthy 22% increase from the previous poll. This One Mistake While Grocery Shopping Skyrockets Your Coronavirus Risk

Meijer

31% of poll respondents see Meijer as a favorable brand, which is a noteworthy 19% increase from the previous poll. There's Only One Way to Contract COVID-19 When Grocery Shopping, CDC Says.

Kroger

30% of poll respondents see Kroger as a favorable brand, which is a noteworthy 21% increase from the previous poll. Here are 7 Grocery Store Mistakes You Can Easily Avoid.