Rite Aid tops drug chains in customer satisfaction, as Publix, Target, Costco lead among supermarkets, mass, clubs

ANN ARBOR, Mich. — Several pharmacy retailers got top place in a recent consumer satisfaction survey.

A report released Tuesday by the American Customer Satisfaction Index ranked Rite Aid at the top among drug store chains, with a score of 77, a 3% improvement over last year. Walgreens gained 1%, for a score of 76, while CVS ranked 75, a 3% gain. The survey noted that CVS hit a low two years ago due to cost-cutting efforts.

"The improvement in overall customer satisfaction is positive news for consumer demand, but with a caveat that a good portion of the gain comes from federal and local government services," ACSI founder Claes Fornell said. "Looking at the economy as a whole, low inflation, shrinking household debt and pent-up consumer demand are starting to fuel consumer spending. At the same time, however, economic growth will be hampered by a still-tepid job outlook, low wage increases, high gasoline prices and the economic uncertainty created by our politicians."

Publix got a score of 86, a 2% gain, over Whole Foods, which came in at 80. Kroger's ranking remained unchanged, at 79, while Winn-Dixie increased 4%, to 78. Supervalu, Safeway and Walmart were in the mid-to-low 70s, at 76, 75 and 72, respectively. Costco's score was unchanged, at 83, while Sam's Club lost 1%, for a score of 80. Target received a score of 81, while Dollar General got 78.