New survey ranks best, worst grocery stores

PITTSBURGH — A new survey identifies the grocery stores we love and those we hate. Target 11 Consumer Investigator Robin Taylor discovered which stores topped the list and why.

Consumer Reports asked their readers to rate grocery stores and tell them what they like and what they don't like.

Once again, Wegman's topped the list as the nation's best grocery store. The Northeast chain is based out of upstate New York.

Two of the top-ranked supermarkets have stores in Pittsburgh. Trader Joe's came in second, while Costco came in fifth.

Readers like the quality of meat, the produce, the clean aisles and the exceptional prices that these grocery stores offer.

Giant Eagle, the biggest chain in our region, came in 36th.

In ranking supermarkets, the biggest gripes were not enough open checkouts, followed by congested aisles and specials that were out of stock, along with inept bagging.

Many shoppers said they switched grocery stores because of high prices. Some also blamed poor selection or employee rudeness as reasons for the switch.

Walmart, the nation's largest grocery chain, came in as one of the worst places to shop. People liked the low prices, but they hated the long lines, the empty shelves and the employees that just didn't seem to care.

WPXI