Luke Schell took the helm of the Just Food Co-op in Northfield, Minnesota, as the interim general manager (IGM) in the summer of 2021 after the resignation of its previous general manager. Throughout his contract, Luke has made numerous positive changes at the co-op, including improvements to staff morale.
Columinate consultant Dennis Hanley stepped into the role of interim general manager (IGM) at Co-op Market Grocery & Deli in Fairbanks, Alaska, after their general manager exited in late summer 2021. Here's an update on the impact Dennis made at the co-op.
The global pandemic has dramatically altered how grocery retailers approach all aspects of their business. As retail staff have turned much of their focus to daily operations to ensure their stores are staffed, stocked, and safe, formalized processes for strategic planning have taken a back seat for many leaders. But now is not the time to proceed without a plan.
Throughout the course of the pandemic, prepared foods departments were some of hardest-hit departments at grocery co-ops across the country. We connected with leaders in prepared foods to hear how they've adapted and advice they have for others.
Columinate is proud to welcome Dana Tomlin as a new consultant. Dana is a resourceful leader with extensive independent grocery experience, and as a consultant, she plans to utilize her experience and expertise to help organizations and stores both plan for the future and improve day-to-day operations.
With more than two decades of experience in wine, beer, and spirits, Columinate member-consultant Samuel Vandegrift regularly helps co-ops connect with customers and boost sales using everything from pricing strategies to in-store promotions and events. Sam has some key advice for what stores can do to bring joy and delight to their beverage departments.Â
It is well-known that the U.S. labor market has been especially volatile this year. Co-ops are not immune from this. To learn more about the current co-op hiring environment, we connected with Columinate member-consultants Melanie Reid and Carolee Colter.
During times of transition, Columinate's interim General Managers (IGMs) have helped co-ops stabilize and implement lasting change. IGM and Columinate consultant Scot Destasio had a transformative impact at the Old Creamery Cooperative, located in a traditional "Hilltown" in Western Massachusetts.
When co-ops enter a time of transition, they can turn to Columinate's group of experts available for contract management services. These folks step in as Interim General Managers (IGMs) to work fast and smart, implementing lasting change for their clients. Ranging from a few months to a few years, IGM engagements are meant to bridge a co-op from Point A to Point B.
If you are like most Americans, your shopping patterns - as well as your customers’ habits - have changed drastically in the past several weeks. More people are buying fresh produce to stay healthy, and for good reason: a diet that includes lots of fresh organic produce is a great way to keep your immune systems strong in these uncertain times.
