Wegmans Food Markets and Tops Friendly Markets are among the grocery store chains to make Supermarket News’ Super50 Supermarkets list for 2026.
The trade publication ranked the retailers based on customer satisfaction, workplace reputation, use of technology, loyalty program perks, private label strength, delivery/pickup execution and omnichannel strength, meaning how well the businesses combine physical stores, websites and mobile apps to create a seamless shopping experience.
Unlike some other such lists, annual revenues were not considered.
Of the 50 included, Wegmans came in at No. 13; Tops finished at 34.
Here are the chains with locations in the Rochester market that made the top 10:
1. Trader Joe’s
Trader Joe’s came in at No. 1 and was lauded for its tightly curated mix of products — many of them store-brand — competitive pricing and “neighborhood boutique” shopping experience.
The chain owned by German supermarket conglomerate Aldi Nord has 637 stores in 42 states and the District of Columbia.
4. Costco
Costco ranked No. 4.
According to Consumer Reports, the Issaquah, Washington-based membership warehouse club offers the best grocery prices in the country, beating Walmart and BJ’s Wholesale Club.
The chain’s website traffic also is up 32%, Supermarket News noted, and app traffic has increased 45% after more personalization options were added.
Costco has 649 U.S. stores and operates 275 outside the United States.
7. Aldi
Aldi came in at No. 7. “The simple, affordable shopping experience that Aldi provides has proven to be a perfect antidote for consumers seeking relief from grocery-price inflation,” Supermarket News stated.
Now based in Batavia, Illinois, and owned by German retailer Aldi Sud, Aldi is one of the fastest-growing retail chains in the United States, and despite its no-frills format, still delivers an enjoyable shopping experience, the ranking stated.
Aldi expects to have nearly 2,800 U.S. stores by the end of the year and has more than 13,000 worldwide.
8. Whole Foods Market
Right behind Aldi, at No. 8, is Whole Foods Market, which remains “the national standard-bearer for consumers seeking national, organic and specialty products,” Supermarket News said.
Now owned by Amazon, Whole Foods has more than 500 locations across the country, along with stores in Canada and the United Kingdom, and continues to expand its footprint.
10. Walmart
Walmart, the nation’s largest retailer, came in at No. 10 on the Super50 list. Its strengths include not only competitive pricing but increasingly fast delivery options.
Walmart also offers an A.I.-powered shopping assistant and continues to see growth with its Walmart+ memberships.
Other top 10 finishers
Other supermarket chains that made the Super50 top 10 are:
2. Publix Super Markets
3. H-E-B
5. Amazon Fresh
6. Sam’s Club
9. Kroger
Wegmans and Tops
Founded in Rochester in 1916, Wegmans has 114 stores across nine eastern states and the District of Columbia. Based in Williamsville, Erie County, Tops has more than 150 stores in New York, Vermont and Pennsylvania.
Reporter Marcia Greenwood covers the grocery business and consumer-focused grocery news, as well as retail development, openings and closings. Send story tips to mgreenwo@rocheste.gannett.com. Follow her on X @MarciaGreenwood.
This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: Wegmans, Tops make Super50 list. See which grocery stores ranked highest
Reporting by Marcia Greenwood, Rochester Democrat and Chronicle / Rochester Democrat and Chronicle
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