Updated in 2017-18, this manual is the result of a collaboration between Columinate and National Co+op Grocers. It guides boards of directors of food cooperatives through the steps needed to ensure a clear and professional process, resulting in the hiring of a well-qualified manager. Those steps are: Arrange for interim management Set up a committee to coordinate the hiring process (the Search Committee) Define [...]
By Wendy Fanigan
Welcome to Retail Basics: Merchandising and Store Conditioning, created by the National Cooperative Grocers Association (NCGA). NCGA specifically designed this workbook to support effective merchandising in your food co-op and to enhance the customer experience using tools and practices that support retail excellence. Through this handbook, you will gain professional knowledge on: How shoppers see your co-op Components of effective merchandising Specific tactics in [...]
The purpose of this guide is to provide volunteer board members of new or expanding food cooperatives with an accessible tool they can use to better understand their market potential. A market study is a pivotal piece of information necessary to obtain project financing. Even more important, a good market study will help a cooperative or organizing committee decide whether it is even feasible [...]
by Karen Zimbelman and Marilyn Scholl A Tool for Building Strong Co-op Membership Programs Any store can provide natural foods—just like any financial institution can provide checking accounts. Therefore, for a co-op, a strong supportive membership is the key to success. Without it, a co-op is just another store that has to compete on price, product, or service alone. Ownership by the consumer-users distinguishes [...]
Planning and implementing a successful expansion or relocation for your natural foods cooperative is a major undertaking that always involves risk. As the natural foods marketplace is experiencing rapid change and growth, retail natural food co-ops are being challenged to serve their members and their communities better than ever before. Long-term survival, maintaining and building market share and cooperative growth are critical issues for [...]
by Mary Courteau & Corinne Shindelar In the fall of 1996, over 200 directors of natural food co-ops were surveyed for a project funded by Northcountry Cooperative Development Fund and the National Cooperative Bank Development Corporation. The goal of this joint project was to provide enhanced assistance to borrowers. By directly contacting board members, the survey aimed to reach a critical mass of its [...]
Edited by Dave Gutknecht and Karen Zimbleman
By Rob Wilson and Rob Okun
