Retailer Leads USA Today’s 10Best List for Fourth Consecutive Year
JCPenney has once again secured the top position in USA Today’s annual 10Best ranking of department stores, marking the fourth consecutive year the retailer has claimed the No. 1 spot.
The rankings were determined through a combination of expert nominations and public voting. A panel of USA Today 10Best editors selected 20 department store nominees based on factors including product assortment, customer programs, shopping benefits, and overall in-store experience. Consumers then cast votes over a four-week period to determine the final standings.
Responding to the recognition, JCPenney stated that the ranking reflects the success of its “Yes, JCPenney!” brand proposition and demonstrates continued customer appreciation for its combination of fashion, style, trends, and value pricing.
Regional department store chain Von Maur secured second place in the rankings. The retailer currently operates approximately three dozen stores across 17 U.S. states.
Top 10 Department Stores in USA Today’s 10Best Ranking
- JCPenney
- Von Maur
- Belk
- Bloomingdale’s
- Nordstrom
- Boscov’s
- Target
- Macy’s
- Kohl’s
- Dillard’s
The ranking highlights a diverse mix of mid-market and premium department store operators, alongside mass retailer Target, which earned a place among the top 10 despite not traditionally being categorized as a department store.
USA Today noted that nominees were evaluated on the breadth of products offered, loyalty programs, customer benefits, and the overall shopping experience provided to consumers.
The continued recognition underscores JCPenney’s ability to maintain customer engagement in a highly competitive retail landscape while competing against both traditional department stores and broader retail formats.
