5 Best Retail Companies to Work For 2022
Methodology
Great Place to Work determines the list using its proprietary For All methodology to evaluate and certify thousands of organizations in America's largest ongoing annual workforce study, based on over 870,000 employee survey responses and data from companies representing more than 6.1 million employees, this year alone. The survey enables employees to share confidential quantitative and qualitative feedback about their organization's culture by responding to 60 statements on a five-point scale and answering two open-ended questions. Collectively, these statements describe a great employee experience, defined by high levels of trust, respect, credibility, fairness, pride, and camaraderie. To be considered for the list, companies must be Great Place to Work-Certified, have at least 1,000 U.S. employees, and cannot be a government agency.
Competition for retail talent remains fierce, yet some companies come out on top year after year.
This year marks the25th anniversary of Fortune and Great Place to Work’s annual “100 Best Companies to Work For” list. The long-running ranking gives insight into which retailers continue to offer the pay and perks associates crave.Wegmans Food Markets, ranked third on this year's list (and the No. 1 retailer), and Publix Supermarkets, ranked 92nd (and the No. 4 retailer), have been recognized every year the list has been published.
"Fortune and our partner Great Place to Work have been publishing the Best Companies list for 25 years—none more fraught than the past two,” Fortune’s editors write. “While COVID-19 has forever changed the way we work, the best businesses are stepping up to support their employees as they navigate uncharted waters."
[See also: 13 Best Retail Employers to Work for 2022]
“Best Companies’ leadership has never been more necessary,” said Michael C. Bush, CEO of Great Place to Work. “As workers struggle with the Great Resignation, burnout and covid disruptions, these exceptional companies offer workplace experiences as strong as prior to the pandemic. These companies get that ‘place’ is wherever their employees are sitting or standing, and they are committed to make that place equitable, safe and productive. Their commitment to genuinely care for their people through trust, inclusion, purpose and meaningful flexibility for life circumstances goes beyond surface-level perks and is a model for the market to follow.”
The current number of open positions at the 100 Best Companies stands at 238,959, according to Fortune. See the full list of the 100 Best Companies to Work For here.
Here are the top five retailers that made the list.
1. Wegmans (3)
While grocers struggle to hire and retain frontline workers, Wegmans has been on the list every year and ranks No. 3 overall again this year.
“Our philosophy has always been to take care of our people, so they can take care of our customers,” says Colleen Wegman, president and CEO of Wegmans Food Markets. “It is extremely inspiring how our employees rise to every occasion to help others, beginning with each other. We believe this caring culture is what has earned us a spot on this list for the past 25 years and we could not be more grateful. We celebrate this award and honor with our entire family of 50,000!”
At Wegmans, it does seem to be 20% of employees are related to someone else who works at the supermarket chain, according to Fortune. In 2021, Wegmans also ranked as a Best Workplace for Working Parents, Millennials, Women.Wegmans is currently hiring for three new stores set to open in 2022: in Alexandria, Virginia; Washington, D.C.; and Wilmington, Delaware.
2.Target (12)
Target continues to attract associates with both benefits and some of the highest wages in the retail industry. Target announced earlier this year it is lifting its starting wage from $15 to $24 per hour. The new pay range will apply to all hourly workers across stores, supply chain facilities and headquarters locations. Target is also expanding its health benefits. Hourly workers who work 25 hours or more a week will be eligible to enroll in the chain’s medical plan, down from the previous requirement of 30 hours.
According to Great Place to Work, 70% of employees at Target Corporation say it is a great place to work compared to 57% of employees at a typical U.S.-based company, while 79% say they are “given the resources and equipment to do my job.”
3. Sheetz (33)
Mid-Atlantic restaurant and convenience chain Sheetz was ranked 33 on this year’s list, its highest ranking to date for the retailer. This is also the eighth time in nine years Sheetz has been named one of the 100 Best Companies to Work For in America. The recognition follows Sheetz’s recent investment of over $70 million in store employee wages in 2021, as well as an investment doubling the tuition assistance offered to employees through the company’s College Tuition Reimbursement program.
“We strive to offer our employees sustainable careers built on an inspiring culture and community engagement,” said Travis Sheetz, president and CEO of Sheetz. “Our employees are what make this company great and we are committed to ensuring they feel valued and have ample opportunities to grow within their careers.”
In February 2022, Sheetz announced plans to hire over 3,500 new employees. The retailer said it offers competitive pay and benefits packages to all employees, including medical and dental insurance, a 401(k) retirement plan, an employee stock ownership plan, flexible schedules, opportunities for advancement, quarterly bonuses, vacation time and more. Sheetz also offers 12 weeks of fully paid time off for new mothers and two weeks of fully paid time off for partners.
Sheetz is one of America's fastest-growing family-owned and operated convenience store chains with more than 23,500 employees. The company operates over 640 store locations throughout Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Virginia, Maryland, Ohio and North Carolina.
4. Publix (92)
For the 25th consecutive year, Publix has been recognized on Fortune’s 100 Best Companies to Work For list. Publix is one of only four companies to have made the list every year since its inception in 1998.
“Our founder, George Jenkins, once said people are the key to Publix’s success,” said Publix CEO Todd Jones. “He explained that if we took care of our associates, they’d take care of our customers. We’ve remained true to this belief since our very first store opened in 1930. Being recognized on this list is a testament to our associates’ dedication and hard work.”
Publix said it supports its associates by helping them reach their full potential in their career and self-development goals by investing in their future with training and coaching, providing opportunities for career development, and furthering their education with tuition reimbursement benefits. Additionally, as the largest employee-owned company in the country -- eligible Publix associates become company owners through its employee stock ownership plan and can purchase additional shares in the company through its employee stock purchase plan.
Treating associates with dignity and respect is a philosophy that guides the company, the grocer said. Publix demonstrates this with open communication, encouraging its associates to formally share their feedback through its annual survey. Associates are also encouraged to share their ideas for ways to help improve Publix through an internal site.
5. Nugget Market (95)
Family owned since 1926, Nugget Markets grocery stores promote from within and encourage giving associates opportunities to grow and reach their career goals. Opportunities are offered and supported by on-the-job training, continual education and mentoring programs. Rewards, recognition and celebrations are a part of the company culture.
The retailer also said it offers industry-leading wages and a premier benefits package, including comprehensive health insurance and an excellent retirement plan. Headquartered in Woodland, CA, the grocer owns and operates 12 Nugget Markets, one Food 4 Less, one Fork Lift by Nugget Markets and one Sonoma Market in the Northern California region. The average number of Nugget Market, Inc. associates at each store (full-time and part-time) is 130.