Carrot Greens
I miss the bushy green leafy tops of the bunched carrots. Is there any chance they will be back or can one purchase just these fresh carrot greens ? It appears they are chopped off a few inches above the orange carrot and I’ve asked at the service desk but the staff person did not know so I am inquiring here.
I checked in with our East Produce Buyer this morning, and they informed me that they have been receiving the product with the tops cut back. My understanding from our conversation is that the quality of the carrots themselves is fine. I think it’s likely the tops had been removed by the grower/packer because of concerns with the quality. Unfortunately, there is not much we can do about this! Carrot “greens” by themselves are not a product that is offered by any distributor or grower. I expect that once the distributor has moved through the current inventory of “greenless, green top carrots” we should be able to get back into true “greentop” carrots, with the greens! Thanks for the comment and your support! -Andy Johnston, Produce Category Manager
Organic at the Co-op
I’m a new owner and I’m happy with the coop. I’m just curious if there is a definition for what is called “organic” at the coop? I’m a marketing major and know that term has been destroyed by marketers. So curious if there is some definition the coop uses to procure the things like produce and what organic means.
Great question. An organic product must be produced using agricultural production practices that: foster resource cycling, promote ecological balance, maintain and improve soil and water quality, minimize the use of synthetic materials, and conserve biodiversity. Producers must be certified organic and following all USDA organic regulations. The foods cannot be produced using genetic engineering, ionizing radiation, or sewage sludge. “Organic” is a USDA-regulated term and can only be used in specific ways under certain conditions. You can find more information at www.ams.usda.gov/rules-regulations/organic/labeling. -Brendon Smith, Marketing & Communications Director
Clean Bathrooms
I just want to think the Willy North cleaning staff for doing such a great job. It cannot be easy keeping a fairly large and heavily trafficked environment like Willy North clean, and their work is much appreciated. I am especially grateful for the reliably clean restrooms – thank you!
Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback about our store cleanliness. Our custodial team works really hard to ensure a clean store and I’m sure they will appreciate hearing that their work does not go unnoticed. I will be sure to pass along your kind words! -Jenny Skowronek, Willy North Store Director
Bulk Cooking Guides
I would love to try some of the quinoa and rice in bulk area. Unfortunately there are not instructions. Suggestion: have a QR code by each item that the customer could scan for cooking instructions and possible recipes.
Thanks for taking the time to send in your suggestion! I have some good news: we do have those instructions online (www.willystreet.coop/bulk-cooking-guide) and we do have a sign in the aisle, but it seems like we need either more signs or a larger one. We’ll work on that! Thanks for letting us know and have a nice week! -Brendon Smith, Marketing & Communications Director
Editor’s note: New signs with QR codes are now up in our Bulk departments and look like this!
Bulk Coffee Price
Wondering if you could put the price/oz. on the bulk coffee (Wonderstate). I’m always doing math over there.
Your recent suggestion to add the price/oz onto the bulk Wonderstate signs came at the perfect time. We happen to be in the process of redesigning our bulk coffee signage and are going to add the price/oz to the layout. I agree that having this info is really helpful when comparing items! -Lacey Smith, Logistics Manager
Andy’s Mushroom Article
Loved the online article on mushrooms by Andy Gricevich. Research based and balanced.
Thanks so much for writing in and letting us know you loved the article on mushrooms by Andy. He is a great contributor to our Reader, and I will be sure to pass on the compliment to him. -Caitlyn Tompkins, Marketing Manager
Kids Carts and Baskets at Willy North
Please consider flipping the location of the baskets and child carts/trolleys upon entering the north store. The normal traffic for shoppers is to walk left, which means it would be easier to grab a basket on the left side. When people forget or miss their basket ion entering, it causes them to cut across the entrance and bump into others entering/exiting the store when backtracking to grab one. Meanwhile there are few families taking advantage of child carts, and they will be accustomed to looking for those specifically. A small pet peeve to be sure, but one that would improve many shoppers’ first 30 seconds in the store.
Thanks for reaching out with your idea regarding the entrance at Willy North. The reason we have the kids carts next to the ice chest is because of the space needed for the carts. If we put them next to the ATM they stick out just enough to be a tripping hazard. Additionally, because the carts would have to be pushed right up against the ATM, putting them there would make accessing the ATM more difficult for anyone in a wheelchair. Having said that, I do agree that having the baskets on the other side of the entrance does make more sense with the flow of customer traffic. I’ll see if I can come up with another solution to make that happen. -Jenny Skowronek, Willy North Store Director
Commons at North
This is a PRAISE issue! The front room at Willy North is an exceptional community resource. We often meet with one or two friends, pick up breakfast or lunch from the Co-op deli, and enjoy watching the world go buy as we visit. If ever there’s an opportunity to enlarge this space, go for it!
Thank you so much for sharing your feedback about our commons space. We are very fortunate to have such big windows to let in the natural light and the fireplace to make it cozy during the cold months. I am so happy to hear that you and your friends enjoy gathering here! -Jenny Skowronek, Willy North Store Director
Citrus
I just want to commend the Co-op for sourcing OUT-OF-THIS-WORLD citrus. I love the citrus feature in the Willy Reader every year and I’m digging the TDE Triple Cross mandarins so much in particular this year (on top of the amazing blood oranges and cara cara as always). Please source them year after year!
Thanks for the positive feedback and I’m glad you’re enjoying this season’s citrus! Our distributors do a great job of sourcing direct from CA citrus growers, and they have a good grasp on the seasonality of the various citrus items. The quality of individual varieties can change from the beginning to the end of the season, and we try to highlight those items that are really good through our promotional programs and our weekly Produce News email that Owners can subscribe to. And yes, those TDE mandarins have been incredible: one of my favorite citrus items. Enjoy them while you can! -Andy Johnston, Produce Category Manager
Parking and Cell Phones
I would appreciate it if you would ask people to not sit in the parking lot talking on their phones especially the West and East side Willy(as they both have limited parking). Note: This person today was not idling, just sitting and talking.
Thank you for taking the time to share your concern. We understand that parking at our East and West locations can be limited, particularly during peak shopping times. While we do our best to encourage timely turnover of parking spaces, we are not able to monitor or regulate how long customers remain in their parked vehicles. There may be many reasons someone needs to stay in their car for a short period of time. -Frantseska Kois, Willy West Store Director
Fizzeology Kimchi
I always look forward to shopping at Willy St West, so many great products and helpful staff. I’ve recently gotten acquainted with Fizzeology Great River Kimchi. I’ve been reading about how fermented foods like that are good for gut health, and I like the taste when I add it to salads. Unfortunately, I’ve been experiencing empty shelves when I try to buy the product. Is there anything that can be done to satisfy my and other’s hunger for this product? Thank you, and keep up the good work!
I reviewed the buying history at Willy West for this product and it appears it has been getting ordered recently. I am sorry you’ve encountered an empty shelf space. I will check in with the Grocery Manager at West and ask them to have their Buyer order a bit more. Fizzeology recently changed how they distribute their products, so that may have played a role in it being out of stock on our shelves. -Dean Kallas, Grocery Category Manager
