The grocer narrowly beat its sister fascia and last year's winner, John Lewis, in the poll of 6,000 shoppers. Next in line were Ikea (third), Amazon (fourth), TK Maxx (fifth) and H&M (sixth).
The report - the Consumer Satisfaction Index 2007 - rated Waitrose top in terms of quality, ambience and layout. It also scored highly on customer service.
In a grocery market where scale and expansion into non-food lines are widely regarded as the key to success, the report said that Waitrose has succeeded by going against the grain. It focuses on the quality of its products by retailing fresh produce as its core footfall driver and keeping its stores on a human scale.
John Lewis was praised for its unique partnership structure and ability to invest in the long term. The survey found John Lewis staff to be highly knowledgeable about the products they sell and respondents said that they value their advice. In addition - and in contrast to many specialist rivals - the retailer benefits from high staffing levels.
Ikea has climbed from fifth place last year to third. The CSI said: 'As well as a high score for price, the retailer now achieves particularly strong ratings for ambience and facilities, helped by investment in store refurbishments and a store opening near Manchester.'
Other retailers in the top 10 were Play.com (seventh), Dunelm (eighth), Primark (ninth) and JD Sports (10th).
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