3 ms·

So much enlightening info in these comments about the economics of these stores and the truth behind the sourcing of the food. I've been a co-op member for alm

So much enlightening info in these comments about the economics of these stores and the truth behind the sourcing of the food. I've been a co-op member for almost 20 years; back before I had kids and lived really close to the store we used to go there almost every day. The biggest draw was always the quality of the food; the chain stores were only selling conventional and mass-produced products and if you wanted a better and/or local product, the co-op was your place. But then in the mid-2000s we got Whole Foods, Trader Joes, and and an organic/specialty aisle in all the supermarkets. Eventually the organic aisle disappeared and it was just organic products on the regular shelves. When we moved away, our new city also had a co-op but it was a 15+ minute drive from home and there was very little draw for us: it was largely the same products we could get at our local stores, but 20% more expensive. The only reason to go there is if we happen to be in the area and/or if there's something we want that we know they only sell there, but that's no different than the 3 big-chain stores in our town.

smeagull 4y ago
The one thing my local co-op does is being able to buy a random box of seasonal fruit and veg for cheap. That's ended up being cheaper than our supermarket.
- oldandboring 4y ago
  Similar effect as a CSA but you get to choose whether you actually want the stuff and when. Pretty nifty idea.
chiefalchemist 4y ago
> The only reason to go there is if we happen to be in the area and/or if there's something we want that we know they only sell there, but that's no different than the 3 big-chain stores in our town. Actually, there is a difference. The dollars spent at a co-op are far more likely to stay in the local community. On the hand, give it to the big chain, and it's far more like to make it back to HQ (and the shareholders). Not your local community. "Local Dollars, Local Sense" by Michael Shuman was an enlightening read for me. https://www.thriftbooks.com/w/local-dollars-local-sense-how-to-shift-your-money-from-wall-street-to-main-street-and-achieve-real-prosperity--a-resilient-communities-guide_michael-shuman/554683/?resultid=46891659-ddb0-4abc-b99b-f3cc9d6082a5#edition=6535963&idiq=4420833 https://www.thriftbooks.com/w/local-dollars-local-sense-how-...
- bombcar 4y ago
  > The dollars spent at a co-op are far more likely to stay in the local community That may not be the case anymore if the coop sources everything from the same sources Whole Foods does.
  - chiefalchemist 4y ago
    Yes and no. With a chain you're certain some % is going back to HQ. That's not the case with a co-op. So even if the goods are sourced outside your area - and chances are some are going to have to be in this era - the co-op still wins in terms of money "retention". If the co-op banks with a local credit union, that's another plus. Chains likely aren't doing that either. Again, check out the book. He had great insights and great ideas.

smeagull 4y ago

The one thing my local co-op does is being able to buy a random box of seasonal fruit and veg for cheap. That's ended up being cheaper than our supermarket.

oldandboring 4y ago
Similar effect as a CSA but you get to choose whether you actually want the stuff and when. Pretty nifty idea.

chiefalchemist 4y ago

> The only reason to go there is if we happen to be in the area and/or if there's something we want that we know they only sell there, but that's no different than the 3 big-chain stores in our town. Actually, there is a difference. The dollars spent at a co-op are far more likely to stay in the local community. On the hand, give it to the big chain, and it's far more like to make it back to HQ (and the shareholders). Not your local community. "Local Dollars, Local Sense" by Michael Shuman was an enlightening read for me. https://www.thriftbooks.com/w/local-dollars-local-sense-how-to-shift-your-money-from-wall-street-to-main-street-and-achieve-real-prosperity--a-resilient-communities-guide_michael-shuman/554683/?resultid=46891659-ddb0-4abc-b99b-f3cc9d6082a5#edition=6535963&idiq=4420833 https://www.thriftbooks.com/w/local-dollars-local-sense-how-...

bombcar 4y ago
> The dollars spent at a co-op are far more likely to stay in the local community That may not be the case anymore if the coop sources everything from the same sources Whole Foods does.
- chiefalchemist 4y ago
  Yes and no. With a chain you're certain some % is going back to HQ. That's not the case with a co-op. So even if the goods are sourced outside your area - and chances are some are going to have to be in this era - the co-op still wins in terms of money "retention". If the co-op banks with a local credit union, that's another plus. Chains likely aren't doing that either. Again, check out the book. He had great insights and great ideas.