Most popular stores

Whether it’s by design or necessity, most Americans are cutting back on shopping for non-essential items. Department stores and specialty shops are hurting as the economic downturn puts pressure on home budgets.

If you are heading out to part with some cash, you probably want to feel good about where you are going. Who has the best selection? The easiest access? The most friendly environment?

While fewer folks have money, more are giving a thumbs-up to their shopping experience. The American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI), a national economic indicator of the quality of products and services, improved 0.9% to 75.7 on the 100-point scale in the fourth quarter of 2008 compared with the same period a year earlier. The survey canvasses about 19,000 consumers on their preferences.

Who are the best of the best?

Forbes has the list:

Nordstrom

Kohl’s

J.C. Penney

Target

Dollar General

Dillard’s

Macy’s

Army and Air Force Exchange Service

Sears Holding

Wal-Mart Stores

To read more about these chains, and why people like them, visit Forbes.

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