Take Advantage of NCG’s Online Discussion Forums
NCG’s Discussion Forums give co-op staff the opportunity to connect with peers across the country. Forums are available to several different user groups and open to everyone with access to NCG.coop.
Co op Development
Valley Natural Foods Implements Self-Checkout Lanes
The cost of launching self-checkout came in significantly under budget, and the co-op is already reaping the benefits. Customers use the lanes for more than 30% of transactions, allowing the co-op to trim front-end schedules and raise staff wages while reducing overall labor costs.
Patience Pays off in Opening of GreenTree Co-op’s New Store
GreenTree GM Sarah Christensen showed patience in her search and resiliency in execution, working closely with NCG Store Development to plan for the complexities of 10,000-square-foot store in a multiuse building.
River Valley Takes Part in International Visitor Leadership Program
Through a State Department program, the co-op hosted professionals from Pakistan at its Easthampton store, where the group discussed solar power, stormwater management, cooperatives building community, and local sustainable food production.
Fredericksburg Food Co-op: A Co-op Start-up Story
Fredericksburg Food Co-op opened its doors in April 2021. Throughout the start-up project, the co-op’s board and staff worked closely with NCG and other resource providers in the industry to open the new store, which has brought jobs, increased local food access and become a community resource to the area.
Oryana Co-op Wins Award for Business Growth
Acquisition of a Lucky’s Market location from bankruptcy enabled Oryana Community Co-op to double sales in two years, help the local economy and give back to the community, despite the uncertainty and challenges of the pandemic.
Monadnock’s Stephanie Wright Wins FMI Store Manager Award
Stephanie Wright was recognized for her commitment to open book management, creating a positive customer experience, staff training and development, focus on the community, and her support of the Monadnock Food Co-op team.
Erie Food Co-op Opens Second Location
Erie Food Co-op’s new store, which will share a market space with two other local food businesses, came about as a partnership with the Erie Downtown Development Corporation, working to revitalize the city’s downtown area.
Self-checkout: A Valued Option
Is your co-op considering self-checkout? Retail data trends show that shoppers value having the choice of self-checkout. Planning is key. The options are plenty. The initial spend is significant. Read about The Merc Co+op’s recent installation of self-checkout, potential configurations and important considerations.
Skagit Valley Food Co-op Awarded Business of the Year
The local chamber of commerce has recognized Skagit Valley Food Co-op for its resiliency and leadership during the pandemic and for being an inspiration for downtown businesses and the community.