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A North Carolina-based store was named the nation’s best place to shop for groceries — for the second year in a row.
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The Fresh Market ranks No. 1 overall, but its dominance didn’t end there. The chain also topped these four other supermarket-related categories:
The lists come from USA Today’s 10Best, which publishes lifestyle rankings. The website said supermarkets were recognized for their “value, selection, and great service” as the contest considered how stores fared in seven other categories.
“Since there is a staggering number of grocery stores, food markets, and butcher shops across the country, we assembled an expert panel to narrow the field and nominate the markets that they think stand out the most,” 10Best wrote in its Wednesday, Sept. 9 report, adding that editors reviewed the nominations and allowed readers to vote on their favorite stores over the course of a month.
On the resulting list of readers’ choice award winners, The Fresh Market once again was named the supermarket that people loved the most. It also reigned supreme last year and has ranked in the top 10 since 2021, results show.
The chain, which is headquartered in Greensboro, lists over 150 locations in 22 states on its LinkedIn page. The brand has become a fan favorite after getting its start more than four decades ago.
“The Fresh Market was inspired by the food markets of Europe — a place where shoppers could have a more intimate and personalized experience than the warehouse-style supermarkets of the time,” 10Best wrote in its report.
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The store also earned top honors for its bakery, deli and prepared food sections, with options ranging from pumpkin cake rolls to specialty cheeses. Then there’s the chain’s produce department, which was praised for its out-of-the-ordinary finds.
“Visit The Fresh Market to try some unique fruits and vegetables, like plumcots (a plum-apricot hybrid) or purple cauliflower,” 10Best wrote. “This grocery store lives up to its name by stocking a vast array of seasonal, local, and super-fresh produce that includes plenty of organics.”
Though The Fresh Market was crowned the winner in five categories, its loyalty program took the No. 3 spot for best grocery store rewards. And the supermarket missed out on ranking among the nation’s top butcher shops and international markets.
Similar to last year, several chains with a North Carolina presence — including Aldi, Lidl, Publix, Trader Joe’s, Sam’s Club, Wegmans and Whole Foods — received nods across the categories. In the past, 10Best told The News & Observer it doesn’t reveal the number of people who vote in its contests.
The results come as North Carolina prepares to welcome a new supermarket to its landscape. Lotte Plaza Market, a “Pan-Asian grocery brand,” is set to open next year in the Raleigh suburb of Morrisville, The N&O previously reported.
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