How can a retailer that’s only been in the U.S. for less than two years make a list of America’s “best” supermarkets?
Lidl, the German discounter based in Virginia, opened on the East Coast in 2017 ranked No. 4 in The Daily Meal’s 2019 list, behind No. 1 Publix, No. 2 Wegmans and No. 3 Aldi, and just ahead of No. 5 Trader Joe’s.
Notice something similar in all of these entries?
They’re distinct. Unique. Differentiated.
You can’t go to Walmart and get a Trader Joe’s experience, or a Wegmans, or a Publix, although – as a Central Texas resident – I’d argue that H-E-B should rank high in this type of retail list.
The Daily Meal says its list of the 20 best is based on these criteria:
Stock: A wide range of brands and offerings, including organic, locally sourced, artisanal, local favorites, international foods, and private label.
Services/Departments: Departments, including butcher, deli, bakery, and pharmacy.
Innovation: Delivery options, mobile apps, and staying on top of the latest trends.
Customer Service: Efficient checkout and self-checkout, easy returns/exchanges, loyalty programs, and personal touches like baggers who take groceries to the car.
Appearance and cleanliness: Brightly lit displays, tidy shelves, clutter-free aisles, and scuff-free floors.
Contribution to the community: Creating local jobs, working with local farmers and suppliers, and helping the less fortunate.
Check out the rest of the list here.
How can a retailer that’s only been in the U.S. for less than two years make a list of America’s “best” supermarkets?
Lidl, the German discounter based in Virginia, opened on the East Coast in 2017 ranked No. 4 in The Daily Meal’s 2019 list, behind No. 1 Publix, No. 2 Wegmans and No. 3 Aldi, and just ahead of No. 5 Trader Joe’s.
Notice something similar in all of these entries?
They’re distinct. Unique. Differentiated.
You can’t go to Walmart and get a Trader Joe’s experience, or a Wegmans, or a Publix, although – as a Central Texas resident – I’d argue that H-E-B should rank high in this type of retail list.
The Daily Meal says its list of the 20 best is based on these criteria:
Stock: A wide range of brands and offerings, including organic, locally sourced, artisanal, local favorites, international foods, and private label.
Services/Departments: Departments, including butcher, deli, bakery, and pharmacy.
Innovation: Delivery options, mobile apps, and staying on top of the latest trends.
Customer Service: Efficient checkout and self-checkout, easy returns/exchanges, loyalty programs, and personal touches like baggers who take groceries to the car.
Appearance and cleanliness: Brightly lit displays, tidy shelves, clutter-free aisles, and scuff-free floors.
Contribution to the community: Creating local jobs, working with local farmers and suppliers, and helping the less fortunate.
Check out the rest of the list here.
Pamela Riemenschneider is the Retail Editor for Blue Book Services