Small businesses like co-ops have limited time and resources to commit to ensuring compliance with federal, state and local regulations. But it’s important to take compliance seriously to reduce the risk and costs of penalties for noncompliance. We’ve identified some regulations applicable to co-ops, along with ways to proactively address and remain compliant.
Food is the universal love language — and Valentine’s Day brings an opportunity to offer convenient and delicious deals your customers will love. Increase fresh department sales with these produce, floral, prepared foods, meat and seafood merchandising tips from NCG.
Due to ongoing struggles with avian flu and increased holiday demand, there have been reports of egg shortages. NCG recommends that members consider adjusting their approach to the egg category until supply comes back into balance with demand so that shoppers have consistent access to eggs.
The Big Game seems to turn everyone into a football fan for at least one day. NCG offers resources that can help your co-op prep for the national food frenzy and help shoppers get ready to celebrate with food.
Read about two co-ops that are enthusiastically embracing peach season. Ashland Food Co-op bought the season’s fruit crop and began managing the operations of a local orchard, while Open Harvest Cooperative Grocery went all in with a storewide promotion on Colorado peaches and peach-inspired products.
Lexington Cooperative Market is planning a Hispanic Heritage Month celebration featuring several different initiatives and promotions, including in-store demos, signage and a themed hot bar menu created in collaboration between staff and local chefs.
Check out these ideas we’ve put together using a variety of resources to develop some fun, whimsical products that will be a hit in your grab and go.
Taking advantage of a hit summer song, Oryana came up with a fun social media reel to promote extended hours and special deals on their hot bar and salad bar.
No end-of-year purchasing plan is complete without preparation for the big grocery occasions in October, November and December. Now is the opportunity to stock your shelves with selections that appeal to all types of consumers. Let SPINS data be your guide to seasonal trends as you finalize your 2024 assortment.
As growth began to taper, the co-op enlisted NCG’s help to see what could be done to reinvigorate produce sales. A brief assessment led to a full remake to refresh, modernize and upfit the produce department, so that the co-op can grow and continue to delight its community.
