Kelly Wiseman addresses the question: what do you do when the competition is planning to move in next door? At Bozeman Food Co-op, they decided to take a hard look at their operations and marketing to make sure they were meeting customer needs and injecting excitement into their store. “We looked at every angle of operations and asked, what could we possibly do to [...]
Bobby Sullivan, the general manager of French Broad Food Co-op has some clear and direct ideas about how co-ops can and must thrive amidst growing competition. The area of Asheville, North Carolina is an extremely competitive market for natural foods, and the co-op needed to step up its game. By focusing on excellent service and marketplace differentiation as a co-op, they are seeing rapid [...]
Kelly Wiseman addresses the question: what do you do when the competition is planning to move in next door? At Bozeman Food Co-op, they decided to take a hard look at their operations and marketing to make sure they were meeting customer needs and injecting excitement into their store. “We looked at every angle of operations and asked, what could we possibly do to [...]
BriarPatch Co-op in Grass Valley, CA has experienced tremendous growth in a short period of time. Chris Maher, GM, shares his philosophy about growth, and how cooperatives must compete in the marketplace. His vision is clear: We lead with values, every time!
Alex Gyori, GM at Brattleboro Food Co-op in Vermont, has a confession to make, he doesn't get good ideas. With perhaps this one notable exception.
Say hello to Maine's newest cooperative grocer, the Portland Food Co-op! Board Member Chris Stacey takes us through their startup story, and shares valuable insights about what startups can teach all co-ops, new or established: Participation Matters.
Hear from 5 different GMs as they answer the question" What will it take for your co-op to thrive into the future? What should we take with us? What should we leave behind on the journey?" Rita York Hennecke, Community Mercantile, Lawrence, KS Dan Gillotte, Wheatsville Co-op, Austin, TX Steve Watts, Los Alamos Food Co-op, Los Alamos, MN Ben Kuzma, Boise Food Co-op, Boise, [...]
Hear from 5 co-op General Managers about what they see when they look out at the competitive landscape in their market. Rita York Hennecke, Community Mercantile, Lawrence, KS Dan Gillotte, Wheatsville Co-op, Austin, TX Steve Watts, Los Alamos Food Co-op, Los Alamos, MN Ben Kuzma, Boise Food Co-op, Boise, ID Tim Bartlett, Lexington Co-op Market, Buffalo, NY
For many years GreenStar Natural Foods Market “peacefully coexisted” with its local competition in Ithaca, New York. As more conventional grocers are wooing the natural food consumer with convenience and price points, the pressure is on. Brandon Kane, the co-op’s general manager has responded with a focus on community, diversity, collaboration and efficient operations. “We want to overcome our elitist perception,” Kane said, as [...]
Sharon Murphy brings the motto of Whole Foods Co-op in Duluth, "Community Owned, that's the difference". Learn how WFC has been able to sustain growth and expansion in service to their community of owners. Store Manager Sarah Hannigan brings to bear her own background as a community organizer to her new task of managing a community-owned grocery co-op.
