BOULDER, Colo. — Trader Joe’s Co. is North America’s favorite grocery store based on customer satisfaction, according to a new survey conducted by Market Force Information.

Trader Joe’s Co. is North America’s favorite grocery store based on customer satisfaction, according to a new survey conducted by Market Force Information.

Publix Super Markets Inc. and Whole Foods Market Inc. rounded out the top three favorites. All three received high marks for courteous staff, inviting atmosphere and high-quality produce. Hy-Vee Inc. also scored well on those measures.

When asked to rate their satisfaction with their most recent grocery store experience and their likelihood to refer that grocer, consumers scored Trader Joe’s above all others. Publix, Whole Foods, Wegmans Food Markets Inc. and Aldi also ranked high on the “customer delight index,” which reveals the intersection between overall satisfaction and the likelihood of recommending a grocer to friends/family.

Trader Joe’s operates nearly 400 stores and has experienced steady growth in recent years. The national chain is known for its customer-centric operations and for a revolving inventory of store brand products.

Convenient location is the factor that consumers said they like most about their preferred grocery store; it ranked higher than prices, which was second on the list, while sales and promotions was third.

None of the chains dominated in the five attributes that consumers said they like most about their preferred grocer, but some did shine in individual areas. Ralphs Grocery Co. ranked first in the convenient location category, Aldi and WinCo were the price leaders, Winn-Dixie scored the top spot for sales and promotions, Meijer Inc. was recognized for its selection, and Walmart and Target Corp. were neck and neck for one-stop shopping.

"With most consumers satisfied … it makes for a very competitive playing field for grocers looking to distinguish themselves from the masses," said Market Force chief marketing officer Janet Eden-Harris. "We start to see the greatest opportunities for differentiation in operations-related attributes such as fast checkouts, gracious staff and atmosphere."