Move Over, Buc-ee’s: Meijer Is America’s Top Convenience Store

Anyone in West Michigan knows how lucky we are to have a store like Meijer in many of our backyards. Every store has everything you need, from groceries and toiletries to dog treats, clothes, and more. It's a unique place, and people are passionate about it because it started here in West Michigan. 

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But outside of Michigan and some of the Midwest, Meijer is largely unknown. The brand many know and adore is Buc-ee's, a convenience store empire that spans much of the South, with its beaver mascot and many beaver-themed snacks and merchandise. In fact, Buc-ee's holds the world record for the largest convenience store.

Brandon Bell, Getty Images, Scott Olson, Getty Images

Places without one want one, as shown by billboards around Michigan that show how many miles away the nearest Buc-ee's is. But just because they're the face of convenience stores doesn't mean they're the best; a recent study revealed the top convenience stores in the country, with Meijer on top.

Meijer: America's Top Convenience Store

In a recent American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI) study, customers ranked three things above all others: mobile apps, bathroom cleanliness, and store organization. On a scale of 100, Meijer ranked 82, five points above Qwik Trip/Sheetz/Wawa at 80.  Buc-ee's finished with a score of 77.

Read More: Why Meijer Paid $7 Million To Move A Gas Station 300 Feet

Now, it's important to note: Meijer itself is a grocery/superstore chain, but what is being ranked here is Meijer Express, the stores attached to its gas stations. This actually makes this ranking more impressive, since these "mini-Meijers" are still beating these established stores head-to-head.

Tommy McNeill, Townsquare Media

According to USA Today, Meijer's loyalty program, mPerks, seems to be the difference maker. Earning points to save on gas and groceries is a major draw, so customers make sure to scan their mPerks at checkout.

You can read the full study here. It's a pretty big deal for Meijer to make such a splash in this industry, but it shows these Express locations have successfully taken what people love about grocery stores and translated it into their convenience stores.