6 of America’s favorite grocery stores are in the Richmond-area

RICHMOND, Va. -- The Richmond-area is home to six of the 15-best grocery stores in the country, according to a recent survey by Market Force.

The top 15 list is based on customer satisfaction and the chance the customer would recommend the store to someone else.

The Richmond-area stores includes Wegmans, Trader Joe’s, Aldi, Costco, Kroger, and Wal-Mart.

This is the first time in four years Trader Joe's didn't take the top spot in the Market Force survey.

Wegmans, a new arrival in the area, was named America’s favorite grocery.

The Richmond-area just got its first store Wegmans in Midlothian in June and another location is opening in Short Pump in August.

Graph 1: Favorite Grocery Store Chains

Aldi, ranked fifth on the list, is also a new addition to the Richmond market, opening their first stores in Henrico and Colonial Heights in April of 2015.

In addition to the six stores, Richmond will soon add a seventh store that’s on the list. Publix, which ranks second, is currently buying 10 Richmond-area MARTIN'S stores and has a Glen Allen store under construction.

In the MARTIN'S deal announced July, 13, Publix confirmed they would take over 10 stores located in Chesterfield, Henrico, Richmond, and Colonial Heights.

The 10 MARTIN’s locations will continue to operate until the Publix permitting process is completed. Grand opening dates for the Publix’s locations will depend on remodeling and completion of the stores’ construction.

Publix also announced plans in February 2016 to build the company’s first Central Virginia location, off Nuckols Road in Henrico. The 49,000 square foot store plans to open in 2018.

That would mean the Richmond-area will soon have six out of the top eight stores on the list.

Graph 2: Top Grocery Chains Ranked by Attributes

Walmart, the largest grocer in the U.S. came in fifteenth on the list.

According to CNNMoney, the survey found customers aren't as loyal as they were in the past. Instead, they're willing to shop for better prices, fresh produce and the best selection.

Also nearly half are looking to eat healthier with organic foods.

The survey was done online with more than 10,000 respondents in February 2016.

Here are America's favorite grocery store chains, according to Market Force:

1. Wegmans
2. Publix Super Markets
3. Trader Joe's Market
4. Hy-Vee Food Stores
5. ALDI
6. Costco
7. H-E-B
8. Kroger
9. WiCo Foods
10. ShopRite
11. Meijer
12. Giant Food Stores
13. Safeway
14. Stop & Shop
15. Wal-Mart