The results are in! Ausralia’s best department stores revealed

Ever wondered what the best department store was in Australia? Well, Canstar Blue has done the hard work for you and rounded up the top department stores in the country.

The comparison website has surveyed more than 2,100 Australian consumers who’ve shopped from a department store in the last 12 months for their feedback on their experiences — good or bad. Respondents were asked to rate department stores/chains on important factors like customer service, store layout and website usability, deals available, comparative prices, product range and overall satisfaction.

David Jones was crowned the best, with the department store earning five stars for customer service, product range, store layout and overall satisfaction. It also got three stars for comparative prices, deals available and website usability. The iconic department store first opened its doors in 1838 in Sydney.

Meanwhile, everyone’s favourite discount department store Kmart was awarded second place. The retailer scored five stars for its “cheap and cheerful prices”. Kmart has built a cult following in recent years thanks to its good prices on household items like kitchenware, cleaning products and decor items.

Big W came in at number three, followed by budget retailer Harris Scarfe, which rated best for its deals and specials available as well as website usability. Retailer Target rounded out the top five, while Myer came in at last place. Despite scoring high in customer service and product range, the Australian department store chain lacked in money and store layout.

“While David Jones was rated best for overall satisfaction, it scored only three stars for prices compared to other retailers,” Megan Birot from Canstar said. “On the other hand, Kmart came in second place and rated best on price, followed by Big W, Harris Scarfe and Target.

“Myer was left at the bottom of the ratings with three stars for both overall satisfaction and prices compared to other retailers, suggesting high-end isn’t always the way to go. Wherever you decide to shop, make sure to compare retailers and prices online to score the best deals.”

Meanwhile, retail expert Gary Mortimer told 9News that discount department stores are really having their time in the sun at the moment.

“I think the discount department stores have really come a long way in changing their ranges; they’re really now on-trend,” he said.

“I think viewers would’ve expected to see the likes of Kmart up there in number one; it’s got a very strong online following and particularly a very strong social media following.”