Marks beats John Lewis to most trusted title

The department store has ridden the economic storm, with 39 per cent of consumers rating it as one of their top three most trustworthy retailers. 

John Lewis and Boots came second and third respectively in the research commissioned by marketing firm Baber Smith. 

The top three driver of trustworthiness were cited as 'good reputation', 'high quality products' and 'good value for money'. These are unchanged from the same survey last year, although the number opting for 'good value for money' rose sharply compared to 2009. 

When consumers were asked to rank which financial services company they would say is the most trustworthy, the largest vote (30 per cent) went to 'Don't know'. Next highest was Nationwide with 15 per cent of the vote, putting it on a par with Waitrose in the retail market. 

Sam Jordan, managing director of Baber Smith commented: "What's interesting about these results is how quality products and value for money have grown in importance as the main reasons for trusting retailers.

"Consumers seemingly have a clear preference for retailers that offer acceptable quality at reasonable prices, rather than those that just offer rock-bottom prices. Striking this fine balance has clearly paid dividends for the likes of M&S, which once again comes out as the UK's most trusted retailer."

 

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