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> 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 t
by 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 agoYes 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.