by Anya Firszt, General Manager
I think it’s safe to say that spring has sprung!
You can find at all three of our stores locally sourced and organically grown plant starts, from West Star Organics and Voss Organics, for your garden or seeds from Seed Savers Exchange. We also have tons (literally) of Purple Cow Organic compost growing mixes and soil enhancing products to give your brown thumb a boost.
This month Wellness Wednesday falls on May 1st, and we’re offering Owners 15% off your wellness and body care purchases (instead of the usual 10%). Perfect timing for a Mother’s Day (Sunday, May 12th) gift idea!
Sales Flyer
You’ll notice some changes to our Co-op Deals sales flyer on pages 9-11 of this issue and to sales signage in our stores. We’ve also changed the name of our “Owner Rewards” sales to “Owner Deals”—you can expect the same Owner-only sales that you’re used to.
We’re also adding a “Fresh Deals” program with extra sales for all customers. If you’re not an Owner, you get Co-op Deals and Fresh Deals sales; if you’re an Owner, you get all sales. And, I think you’ll be happy to hear that we’re adding more sales overall!
Metcalfe’s No Longer a Local, Family-Owned Grocery Store
As you may have seen, Metcalfe’s Market announced that they sold their stores to SpartanNash, a Michigan grocery and wholesale operation, which owns 144 grocery stores, including Fresh Madison Market. This is a bittersweet farewell to a local, family-owned grocery, which highlights the challenges of operating a small independent grocery chain. This ownership transfer means fewer independent grocery stores located in the greater Madison area.
Willy Street Co-op continues to be a locally-owned and operated consumer cooperative. We have impressive staying power, after 49 years (and counting). We are stronger together with peer support from other co-ops, marketing and promotions support from the National Co-op Grocers as well as preferred pricing, and you, our loyal ownership.
Meat and Seafood Floor Repair
Recently an Owner asked me about the mystery around the reduced service in the meat/seafood department at Willy West last month. No mystery per se; the floor was replaced in the meat cooler and processing room. The work was completed on time and budget. My thanks to the team for a job well done.
FY23 Patronage
If you have not yet claimed your FY23 patronage, there is still time. You have until June 16, 2024 to use it as a store credit (on purchases), receive cash back, or donate to Double Dollars. We’ve distributed roughly 95% of total patronage to Owners, leaving 5% (or $12,000) undistributed. Don’t miss out on this Owner benefit.
National Co-op Grocers (NCG)
NCG is celebrating its 25th anniversary! NCG is a business services cooperative for retail food co-ops located across the country. Willy Street Co-op has been a member of NCG since its inception and continues to reap the benefits of shared marketing and promotional programs and services, as well as purchasing power.
Until next month, get outside!