In a recent study conducted by the American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI), Meijer has emerged as the leader in customer satisfaction among convenience stores, outperforming well-known competitors, including Buc-ee’s. The 2026 rankings reveal that Meijer’s score climbed to 82, reflecting a notable 5% increase from the previous year, when it recorded 78.
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The ACSI survey assesses customer satisfaction based on various parameters, including customer expectations, perceptions of quality and value, frequency of complaints, and customer loyalty. This year, Meijer, primarily known for its grocery and superstore operations, has been recognised for its Meijer Express convenience store format, which has evidently resonated with consumers.
Buc-ee’s, a popular chain particularly famous for its travel centres offering food and merchandise, saw its satisfaction score decline to 77, placing it seventh in the rankings. This represents a 3% decrease from its 2025 score of 79. The decline in Buc-ee’s satisfaction may have surprised many, given its established brand among travellers and road-trippers alike.
In a statement regarding their achievement, Meijer expressed appreciation for the recognition, attributing their success to the commitment of their team to ensure a positive shopping experience at the Meijer Express locations. The company highlighted the significance of value and convenience, which they believe are paramount to customer satisfaction. The mPerks rewards programme, combined with easily accessible service locations, has also been flagged as a contributing factor to their esteemed ranking.
A spokesperson for CFI Group, the organisation that resells the ACSI data, elaborated on how Meijer’s integrated services enhance the customer experience. They noted that the synergies created between Meijer Express stations, the mPerks loyalty programme, fuel rewards, and significant investment in store offerings contributed to its overall rating. The spokesperson remarked that Meijer’s increase in customer satisfaction was the most substantial seen in the study, particularly given the overall drop in satisfaction across all convenience stores.
The ACSI report indicates that customer satisfaction for convenience stores as a whole has decreased by 1%, leading to an average score of 75 this year. Experts suggest that as convenience stores introduce more complex features—like mobile ordering, loyalty programmes, and in-app capabilities—customers’ expectations simultaneously rise. Therefore, any shortcomings, such as an inefficient app or unclean facilities, can significantly influence overall customer perception.
Meijer’s focus on maintaining a competitive edge, prioritising customer needs, and ensuring fresh and safe products plays a crucial role in its growth strategy. The company’s founder, Fred Meijer, is quoted on their website, reinforcing a customer-centric philosophy which continues to influence the business culture: “Customers don’t need us; we need them.”
Following Meijer in the ACSI rankings is QuikTrip, a chain with widespread locations across multiple states, which successfully maintained a score of 80 from 2025 to 2026. Other notable regional contenders included Sheetz, Wawa, Kwik Trip, and Murphy USA, each contributing to a diverse market for convenience store options.
As the landscape of convenience retail continues to evolve, it remains essential for companies to adapt to changing consumer expectations. Meijer’s recent rise in customer satisfaction underscores the importance of a seamless customer experience and effective loyalty initiatives, showcasing how strategic enhancements can yield positive results, even in a competitive and fluctuating market.
The results from the ACSI study not only provide insight into customer preferences but also serve as a reminder for businesses to remain attentive to customer needs, fostering loyalty through exceptional service and value.