Product Selection Philosophy

Goal

The goal of the Willy Street Grocery Co-op product policy is to provide a consistent criteria to evaluate current and prospective products to determine their suitability to being placed in the Co-op. WSGC gives preference to placing products of the highest quality according to several sets of our owners values. We assess new trends in our industry to rapidly meet changing needs of our growing ownership with the best options available to our market.

Guidelines

WSGC’s emphasis is on natural foods as expressed in our mission statement. We are also concerned with the accessibility of our products and services which prompts placement of items based on affordability. Wholesome, local, and prices as low as possible are all goals for the products we carry. When possible we offer these products from reputable companies run responsibly, ethically and environmentally. We are a full service grocery store; we offer staples, natural products, gourmet and seasonal items. Willy Street Co-op’s ownership has expressed its preference through purchases and surveys for organic foods when available.

Local
Foods and goods produced in the state of Wisconsin or within a 150-mile radius of Dane County are considered local. We also give preference to items of superior quality from the Midwest region.

Sustainable
Foods and non food products produced in a manner that has minimal negative impact and when possible nutritive benefits to the environment, community and consumers that support its production.

Organic
Foods and non-foods that meet the NOSB criteria of organic practices.

NATURAL
Our definition of natural refers to food that is minimally processed and contains product appropriate ingredients; foods free of unnecessary and unhealthful additives.

Adding Products

Reasons to add a product are:

• To address customer requests, consumer demand
• To address problems in availability; i.e. manufacturer discontinued, distributor discontinued
• To replace items not selling well; those products that our membership does not care for

Removing Products

Reasons to discontinue a product are:

• To address the above mentioned concerns, also
• To support the WSGC Boycott policy and procedures
• To address owner complaints and quality issues
• To offer a slow seller through the pre-order system and use its shelf space for items in greater demand

Seasonal Products and Promotions

Willy Street Co-op acknowledges all denominations with respect for their traditions and celebrations. When appropriate we offer some seasonal goods to meet the needs of our diverse ownership.