Before you visit our winners, check out our shopping kit to make sure youre well-armed (comfy shoes! germ-fighting lotion!). Heres to the stores that make your blood pressure go down.<\/p>\n Next Page: Discount stores<\/a> [ pagebreak ]<\/p>\n Walking into the store, youre greeted with a friendly “Hello!” (company policy requires associates to greet customers within a 10-foot radius), which helps raise your spirits and get you in the mood to shop. Browsing through the well-lit, identified aisles, youll notice that more organic and natural products are available.<\/p>\n Plus, many stores have an in-store health clinic, and Walmarts pharmacy has gotten recognition for having very affordable generic drugs. “Walmart is realizing that offering more healthy items and making stores inviting is going to help them get more healthy consumers into the store,” says expert J. Nick Baird, MD, chief executive officer of the Alliance to Make US Healthiest.<\/p>\n In addition to selling more than 500 Earth-friendly products, Arkansas-based Walmart recently announced a multiyear plan to create a Sustainable Products Index to let shoppers know more about the environmental impact of the products they purchase. “Were starting to see this great trend emerge where shelf space is filling up with healthier options,” Dr. Baird says.<\/p>\n We like that when youre finished shopping, you can cart your purchases away in a reusable Walmart blue bag, an initiative that has kept more than 97 million pounds of plastic out of landfills. “Walmart has—and will continue to have—a huge impact on sustainability,” Wilson says.<\/p>\n 2.<\/strong> Target<\/a> Add the selection of reusable eco-chic totes and organic food and health-and-beauty products, and youve got a winner. “What Target has done is create an inviting ‘want to shopping experience, instead of a ‘have to, ” Dr. Baird says.<\/p>\n Like Walmart, Target sells a 30-day supply of generic medication for $4 (90-day costs $10). And the Minnesota-based company earns convenience points for its clinics and eye-care centers, which hike the ease of one-stop shopping.<\/p>\n One of the companys eco-friendly efforts directly benefits consumers— 3.<\/strong> Sears<\/a> Plus, they recycle bags, cardboard, and shrink wrap, and offer reusable ags. While shopping for clothing, you may notice that the sweater youre trying on is made of organic cotton, wood, or bamboo, as the chain has widened its eco-friendly offerings. They even carry a suit made from recycled beverage containers (the Bagir EcoGir suit).<\/p>\n And before you put your newly purchased garments in your recyclable bag, give the sales associate your hangers: about 75% are reused; in 2008, 2,250 tons of hangers were recycled.<\/p>\n 4.<\/strong> Meijer<\/a> “Signage and layout is really important for a healthy shopping experience,” Dr. Baird says. “If youre bombarded with unhealthy options, that sends a message about what the store is all about.” Kmarts affordable pharmacy also earned health points.<\/p>\n Next Page: Department stores<\/a> [ pagebreak ]<\/p>\n But this Wisconsin-based chain doesnt stop there when it comes to customer comfort, says expert J. Nick Baird, MD, chief executive officer of the Alliance to Make US Healthiest, who gave Kohls top-of-the-class marks. “Ive been very impressed by the eco-friendly products and the overall appearance of the store,” he says.<\/p>\n “The ambiance of the store invites multiple purchases,” adds expert Elaine Buxton, president of the Mystery Shopping Providers Association. “I would shop here and risk straining my back even if they didnt have carts!” About 46 Kohls stores are Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design–certified, and about 20% of building materials in new stores are made from recycled elements. “Kohls also has the largest solar-energy program of any retailer in the world,” says expert Marianne Wilson, editor in chief of Chain Store Age magazine. Another winning move: As of 2009, all new Kohls stores will have bike racks so you can burn calories, save money on gas, and reduce your carbon footprint to and from the store. “This company clearly demonstrates a commitment to a healthy lifestyle,” Buxton says.<\/p>\n 2.<\/strong> Macys<\/a> Other healthy efforts include installing solar panels and upgrading heating and lighting in new and existing stores to help reduce energy emissions. “Their investment in more eco-friendly practices is impressive,” Buxton says.<\/p>\n In addition, the salespeople who work at Macys are trained to be attentive but not pushy. And the companys fitting rooms are roomy and consistently well-maintained.<\/p>\n 3.<\/strong> Nordstrom<\/a> Whats more, Nordstrom offers more eco-friendly choices than a typical department store. One example: their Well Beauty cosmetics boutiques combine natural, organic, and chemical-free options (at select stores) from various beauty lines, making it easier for you to choose a healthier alternative. “What a great concept—this is extremely useful for consumers,” Buxton says.<\/p>\n 4.<\/strong> JCPenney<\/a> To keep the shopping space as energy-efficient as it can be, each store has a designated Energy Captain responsible for monitoring energy-usage data and identifying places for improvements. In fact, the companys Monthly Utility Mania (MUM) program rewards teams for developing new energy-saving solutions.<\/p>\n![\"healthy-shopper\"](\"https:\/\/imagesvc.meredithcorp.io\/v3\/mm\/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fstatic.onecms.io%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fsites%2F12%2F2013%2F05%2Fwalmart-200.jpg\")
healthy-shopper<\/span>
3,400 stores in 50 states<\/em>
Our top-scoring retail chain won over our experts for its customer service, green initiatives, and overall product satisfaction. (Who can resist a deal on organic produce?) “Walmart is at the top of its game,” says Chain Store Age magazine editor in chief Marianne Wilson.<\/p>\n
1,700 stores in 49 states<\/em>
Target got high marks from our experts for the overall healthy atmosphere of its stores. “Target is one of the best at combining sustainable products in a streamlined, stress-free environment,” Wilson says. Its vibrant store colors, clean displays, and helpful employees make customers excited to shop there, our experts agreed.<\/p>\n
for each shopping bag you bring in and use, you get a credit of 5
cents. “When stores like Target offer healthy products, merchandise,
and incentives, shoppers have the choice to embark on a whole behavior-
modification process to make themselves and their families healthier,”
Dr. Baird says.<\/p>\n
926 stores in 50 states<\/em>
Sears, based in Illinois, got its number-three ranking thanks to its eco-friendly efforts over the years. It was the first retailer to join the Responsible Appliance Disposal (RAD) program, initiated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), recycling customers old appliances for free long before that became the norm. Many stores now have energy-efficient lighting.<\/p>\n
190 stores in 5 states<\/em>
Based in Michigan, Meijer recently stepped up its game by offering more organic and healthy products. One perk: an Express program that delivers purchases you make online to your car in the parking lot. At $6.95 per order, its a small price to pay to avoid the stress of the crowds, especially during the holidays. But heres the real reason Meijer made our top five: we loved the free antibacterial wipes available at front entrances.<\/p>\n\n
![\"healthy-shopper\"](\"https:\/\/imagesvc.meredithcorp.io\/v3\/mm\/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fstatic.onecms.io%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fsites%2F12%2F2013%2F05%2Fkohls-200.jpg\")
healthy-shopper<\/span>
1,000-plus stores in 49 states<\/em>
Shopping carts! Two words that make a shoppers heart sing when theyre laden with merchandise, especially this time of year. Kohls is the only department store on our winning list that offers shopping carts, giving sore backs and shoulders a much-needed break.<\/p>\n
Kohls led the pack from start to finish. When entering the store, helpful signage and displays intrigue instead of overwhelm your senses. And if the air feels a little fresher at Kohls, thats because newer buildings feature fresh-air ventilation and no smoking within 25 feet of the entrance.<\/p>\n
800 stores in 45 states<\/em>
“Macys is implementing strategies to be a world-class leader on the healthy-shopping scene,” Dr. Baird says. Recently, Macys has become a pioneer in the green world, replacing plastic hangers with 100%–recyclable options and using recyclable folding gift boxes and wrapping paper made from 100%–recycled material.<\/p>\n
180 stores in 28 states<\/em>
Nordstrom stores are known for providing great customer service, according to Buxton. “When shoppers know what to expect and are treated with respect, the stress thats associated with shopping is reduced,” she says.<\/p>\n
1,093 stores in 49 states<\/em>
JCPenneys motto is “Every day matters,” and you can see that vision in the layout of its stores and the friendly customer service at checkout. Some stress-reducing aspects: clearly marked signage that guides you to the appropriate department, and ample space between racks that helps you avoid running into other shoppers and feeling claustrophobic.<\/p>\n