SHOP AT THE TOP
Meet the companies that consumers were most likely to recommend to friends and family
03 Justice The top destination for all things tween girl sells fashion and accessories at over 1,100 stores across the U.S. and Canada. In October, the company announced the launch of an entertainment division, Justice Studio, devoted to empowering young girls. 07 Vitacost The online vitamin, supplement and health food store was founded in 1994. Twenty years later, the company was purchased by supermarket behemoth Kroger (eager to break into online commerce) for a whopping $280 million. 04 Lands’ End The lifestyle brand began in Gary Comer’s basement ofɿce as a mail-order yachting gear company. The ɿrst 84-page catalog included just a few pages of clothing (and a typo on the cover). The Wisconsin company now sells a wide range of clothing and homewares. 08 Morton’s the Steakhouse The ɿrst Morton’s opened in Chicago in 1978. The company has since expanded to over 74 restaurants in the U.S., thanks to its stated desire “to provide genuine hospitality.” That famous 48-ounce porterhouse for two might have something to do with it, too. 01 Disney Cruise Line The subsidiary of Walt Disney World formed after negotiations between Disney and Royal Caribbean and Carnival foundered. The line became a family favorite for vacations and now has four active ships that travel to destinations that include Europe and Alaska. 05 Chick-fil-a Truett Cathy opened his ɿrst restaurant in Atlanta in 1967; there are now over 2,100 across the U.S. The capital A refers to the “top quality” ingredients—and, by the way, the signature chicken sandwich isn’t the chain’s best-selling item; it’s those addictive wafʀe fries. 09 Avon The beauty company began employing representatives to sell its products way back in 1886. Founder and early feminist David H. Mcconnell started the business speciɿcally to give women a chance to earn an independent income. 02 See’s Candies In 1971, Charles See and his wife )lorence opened the ɿrst store in Los Angeles to sell his mother Mary’s original recipes for chocolates, toffee and peanut brittle. Those recipes are still delighting fans at over 200 stores across the U.S. 06 Publix George Jenkins started as a clerk at a Piggly Wiggly in Florida before opening his Publix Food Store in 1935, then a supermarket in 1940. The chain—with more than 1,100 stores in the U.S.— was ranked as one of Fortune’s 100 Best Companies to Work For. 10 Cracker Barrel The 658 locations for this country-themed restaurant and gift shop chain are strategically located near highways, making them a popular stop for U.S. travelers in 45 states. The ɿrst store opened on Highway 109 in Lebanon, Tennessee, in 1969.