Aldi tops SN readers' growth list

SN recently published its annual Growth List of 10 companies from A (Aldi) to Z — well, at least to W (Whole Foods). It’s one thing for companies to project unit growth, it’s another for readers to give their own opinions on what will really happen. So we invited readers via an SN Poll to tell us which of these companies they think will grow the most, proportionately, in 2015.

Hundreds of you responded, and SN now shares these reader perceptions with our digital audience.

Aldi was the favorite choice among readers, garnering (that’s poll-speak) 23% of the vote. Kroger and Haggen placed and showed at 16% and 14%, respectively.

Sprouts was next at 8%. It’s interesting that Whole Foods and Trader Joe’s ran neck-and-neck at 5%, followed by a three-way tie at 4%: Save-A-Lot, Costco and Walmart. Grocery Outlet trailed the field at 1%, but we’re figuring that spirited California-based chain doesn't have the name recognition of the first nine — at least not yet.

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SN gave readers an “Other” option, and receiving write-in votes were Delhaize, H-E-B, Publix and ShopRite (“by acquisition”).

Subscribers can read all about it starting with this introduction. SN has also posted a slideshow featuring highlights of each Growth List company. And it’s not too late to vote on this and other polls.