NEW YORK (CNN/Money) - Nordstrom knows how to pamper customers and provide service with a smile, according to a new industry survey.

The Seattle-based department store came in first in a new survey by the National Retail Federation Foundation and the American Express Company ranking customer service at retailers.

Upscale retailer Coldwater Creek claimed the No. 2 spot, while Marshall Field's came in third among the more than 8,600 consumers polled for the survey.

Kohl's and department store Boscov's followed in fourth and fifth place, respectively.

Retailers may be slashing prices to attract bargain-hungry shoppers this year, but providing customer service is another way to bring in the holiday spenders.

"As the retail environment becomes more competitive, customer service is taking a front seat in helping retailers maximize sales," said NRF Foundation President Tracy Mullin.

According to the survey, 84.8 percent of consumers said they spend and shop more at retailers who provide good service.

Rounding out the survey's top 10 places to receive good service were outdoor gear retailer REI, JCPenney, plus-size chain Lane Bryant, Best Buy and Eddie Bauer.

Retail giant Wal-Mart narrowly missed the top 10 customer service list of retailers, but the company claimed the No. 1 spot in the discount chain category.

Consumers expect the highest level of service from restaurants. They also have high expectations when they shop at specialty stores, department stores and drug stores, the survey said.

They have the lowest expectations when it comes to shopping at membership warehouse clubs and discount stores, it said.

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