NEW YORK, Nov. 8, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Engagement Labs Inc. (TSXV: EL) (OTCQB: ELBSF), an industry-leading data and analytics firm that focuses on the entire social ecosystem and its impact on business, today released its TotalSocial^® top 10 ranking supermarkets and hypermarket brands in the U.S. based on social influence.

The analysis is unique in that it combines offline and online consumer conversations and is based on Engagement Labs' proprietary TotalSocial data and analytics, which continuously measures the most important drivers of brand performance in both face-to-face (offline) and social media (online) conversations. The brands in the top 10 have earned the highest TotalSocial scores in the category for the last six months, compared to last year six months ending March 2017.

According to Engagement Labs' report, Sam's Club enjoyed the biggest jump in the rankings, moving into the eighth place from its previous spot at 13, primarily due to large increase in offline sentiment, and to a lesser extent an increase in online brand sharing. The brand announced in mid-2018 that they were changing the format of several of their stores to be more like "distribution warehouses" to focus on fulfilling online orders. They are also developing a small-format concept focusing on fresh food and "grab-and-go" meals. 

Whole Foods moved into the number one spot from its previous rank at two, due to an increase in offline brand sharing. The American supermarket chain that specializes in selling organic products was acquired by Amazon last year, and has offered savings exclusive to Amazon Prime members. Target is ranked second overall and is the top-ranked "hypermarket" on the list.

"It is natural for consumers to develop a very close relationship with the grocery store they visit frequently, and thus it is important for them to focus on driving recommendations from their loyal customers," said Ed Keller, CEO of Engagement Labs. "The emergence of home delivery for groceries increases the competitive challenge. Whole Foods' number-one TotalSocial rank, combined with the backing of its new owner, Amazon, makes it the brand to watch in this important category."

Consumers across generations approach shopping in different ways. Safeway dropped out of the top 10 to number 18. The brand's Florida stores have recently been acquired by Publix. While it's parent company Publix, the employee-owned supermarket chain, currently sits at number five from its previously held number one spot. This drop was caused by a decrease in the brand's sentiment, particularly online. Publix was recently at the center of a boycott because of the their support of Adam Putnam for Florida governor, a self-proclaimed "proud NRA sellout".

To learn more about Engagement Labs and how to increase your brand's word of mouth in real life and online, reach out at: [email protected].

About Engagement Labs
Engagement Labs (TSXV: EL) (OTCQB: ELBSF) is an industry-leading data and analytics firm that provides social intelligence for Fortune 500 brands and companies. The Company's TotalSocial® platform focuses on the entire social ecosystem by combining powerful online (social media) and offline (word of mouth) data with predictive analytics. Engagement Labs has a proprietary ten-year database of unique brand, industry and competitive intelligence, matched with its cutting-edge predictive analytics that use machine learning and artificial intelligence to reveal the social metrics that increase marketing ROI and top line revenue for its diverse group of clients.

To learn more visit www.engagementlabs.com / www.totalsocial.com.

About TotalSocial^®
TotalSocial^® is a premier data and analytics platform that provides brands with unique insights, improved marketing ROI and strategies to grow revenue. Fueled by actionable online and offline data, TotalSocial is the only platform that encompasses and listens to the entire social ecosystem. TotalSocial offers unique, proprietary data about brands, its industry and competitors. With cutting-edge diagnostics, patent-pending predictive analytics and machine learning, TotalSocial identifies business opportunities and provides recommendations and a roadmap to grow revenue and achieve business and marketing goals.

Disclaimer in regard to Forward-looking Statements

Certain statements included herein constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Forward-looking statements are necessarily based upon a number of estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable by management at this time, are inherently subject to significant business, economic and competitive uncertainties and contingencies. Investors are cautioned not to put undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Except as required by law, Engagement Labs does not intend, and undertakes no obligation, to update any forward-looking statements to reflect, in particular, new information or future events.

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

For media inquiries please contact:
Vanessa Lontoc, Marketing Director / Ed Keller, CEO
Engagement Labs
732-846-6800
[email protected] / [email protected]

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SOURCE Engagement Labs