Costco
RECOGNITION > 2026 CARING GROCERY STORES STUDY > COSTCO
National Award
Costco Named a 2026 Caring Brand Award Honoree—National
The Caring Brand Award honors companies named by consumers, unaided, in our national study as the brands they believe care most about their customers. Recognition is earned, not purchased.
The 2026 Caring Grocery Stores Study was conducted using a rigorous, nationally representative consumer survey of U.S. adults. Read the study
About Costco
Costco Wholesale is a membership-based warehouse club offering quality brand-name products and merchandise at low prices. Founded in 1983 in Seattle, Washington, the company has grown into one of the world's largest retailers, serving over 100 million cardholders worldwide. Through its warehouse model and annual membership, Costco delivers exceptional value on groceries, household goods, and more to individuals and businesses across the United States and internationally.
Learn more at costco.com
Quick Overview
Each Caring Brand Award is backed by the voices of real consumers, named unaided in a national study. Honorees must meet a minimum mention threshold. In this video, we discuss our findings from the 2026 Caring Grocery Stores Study. Read our awards methodology.
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What Makes a Grocery Brand Feel Human in 2026?
In an era of rising food costs and rapid retail automation, the relationship between grocery stores and their customers has reached a critical turning point. Better Buyer's 2026 Caring Grocery Stores Study℠ —based on a nationally representative sample of more than 1,100 U.S. consumers—shows that what makes a brand feel "caring" is changing. Modern shoppers don't just want a smile at checkout, although that's still important. They want stores that respect their time, provide transparent value, and deliver consistent reliability.
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Methodology
We conduct large-scale, nationwide surveys designed to capture the voice of the customer. Our studies are structured to meet statistical reliability standards—typically carrying a ±3% margin of error at a 95% confidence level. Data is gathered via representative sampling. Read our awards methodology.
Licensing Rules
Companies named in this study may reference their recognition in editorial or news contexts. However, using the designation name, title, badge, or logo in advertising, marketing, or sales materials requires prior written authorization and an active licensing agreement. Please inquire below for details.
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