Consumer Reports Survey Finds Costco, Sears Top with Shoppers
NEW YORK - A new survey published in the July issue of Consumer Reports magazine finds that Sears, Roebuck & Co., Costco Wholesale Corp. and Target Corp. scored high with shoppers for merchandise quality and convenience, while Wal-Mart and Kmart fared the worst.
The magazine used 56,000 responses from 31,000 subscribers to compile its results. The results were based on overall shopping experience, quality and selection of products, prices, sales staff, checkout speed and problems at America's "mega-stores."
Sears received high marks for its service, checkout speed, product selection and store layout, the magazine said. Readers cited the retailer's appliances, hardware and lawn and garden equipment.
Costco was noted for its low prices and high product quality, the survey found.
Target has a shopper-friendly environment, and customers liked the company's checkout speed, selection and layout, the magazine said.
Shoppers complained that Wal-Mart stores were too crowded and hard to navigate. Wal-Mart's Sam's Club warehouse chain unit was ranked in the middle.
The magazine used 56,000 responses from 31,000 subscribers to compile its results. The results were based on overall shopping experience, quality and selection of products, prices, sales staff, checkout speed and problems at America's "mega-stores."
Sears received high marks for its service, checkout speed, product selection and store layout, the magazine said. Readers cited the retailer's appliances, hardware and lawn and garden equipment.
Costco was noted for its low prices and high product quality, the survey found.
Target has a shopper-friendly environment, and customers liked the company's checkout speed, selection and layout, the magazine said.
Shoppers complained that Wal-Mart stores were too crowded and hard to navigate. Wal-Mart's Sam's Club warehouse chain unit was ranked in the middle.