Consumer group Which? has named sound system retailer Richer Sounds alongside Toolstation as the UK‘s most highly recommended retailers.
The pair were ranked joint first in the influential shopper survey, overtaking retail heavyweights Apple and John Lewis.
The 10,000 customers surveyed hailed Richer Sound‘s customer service, whereas Toolstation was praised for being far cheaper than rival brands like B&Q.
“The best retailers, Richer Sounds and Toolstation, continue to strike the right balance by selling quality products at reasonable prices,” Which? editor Richard Headland said.
“It‘s a simple formula but that‘s why they consistently score well with shoppers.”
Other strong performers were Waterstones which hit the top five spot for the first time since 2014. Harvey Nichols also saw the most dramatic improvement, jumping from 21 to third on the list from last year.
READ MORE: Which? survey crowns Waitrose for 3rd consecutive year
Meanwhile Morrisons and WH Smith populated the bottom two spots, with Tesco and Sainsbury‘s also dropping to the bottom half of the list.
Richer sounds chairman David Robinson said: “We are among a handful of high street retailers to pay the real living wage. It‘s about being an ethical employer and business … we want our customers to get a good deal but not at the expense of our people.”
Toolstation‘s marketing director John Meaden stated that the retailer‘s success is due to “good prices on exactly the same items that cost a lot more at other retailers.”
“We appeal to savvy householders who are capable enough to do a job themselves and want to buy same products as a tradesman,” he added.
“They can walk in and buy a toilet and basin for under £100 and be out the door in 10 minutes.”
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