By: Matthew Stanley, General Manager
2025 was a successful year for our co-op. Thank you to our community of members and shoppers for supporting the co-op — not only through your purchases, but through your continued spirit of ownership and pride in our store!
We achieved strong sales growth and, for the first time in the new building, the Co-op will post a positive net profit. While modest, this meaningful milestone reflects the growing maturity of our business and the steady financial stabilization that has been building over the past several years.
The year was not without its challenges. We navigated several operational disruptions, including a major supplier shutdown and a nationwide interruption of SNAP benefits. As always, our team worked hard to minimize the impact on our customers and the broader community.
We also faced a number of unexpected expenses, including significant repairs to our central refrigeration system and the replacement of two ovens in the co-op kitchen. Thanks to our improved financial position, we were able to absorb these costs without them becoming a crisis.
And, importantly, we continued investing in our people. In 2025, staff received pay increases and now enjoy new co-op-sponsored benefits, including long-term disability and life insurance coverage.
It’s hard to believe we’ve been in our new location for six years. As our building and equipment age, replacement cycles and facility upgrades will become part of the normal rhythm of maintaining a high-quality, engaging shopping experience. The past six years have also reminded us that external events can quickly affect our operations. Financial resilience is not optional – it is essential to sustaining the co-op for the long term.
As we begin 2026, sales growth has moderated compared to 2025, while expenses continue to rise. We also recognize that many shoppers are feeling increased price sensitivity. In response, our team remains focused on delivering meaningful value. For example, we recently added Fresh Fridays to our promotional mix and have seen encouraging early results. Don’t forget that owners receive 10% off all produce and meat on the second Friday of each month. If you haven’t already, consider signing up for co-op text messages so you don’t miss a flash sale or an e-coupon reminder.
Our co-op exists because of the steady choice to support a locally rooted grocery store we own together. If you’re able, consider making the co-op your first stop and shifting a bit more of your weekly shopping here. And if you’ve had a positive experience, we’d be grateful if you helped spread the word! Word of mouth remains one of the most powerful ways we grow, and together we can continue building the resilience and long-term strength that allow our co-op to adapt, thrive, and meet challenges with confidence.
In cooperation,
Matt
