by Anya Firszt, General Manager
Hello Dear Owners
We have a lot in store this month. We are wrapping up a few projects that include the installation of new Deli cases at each of the stores, the annual audit and fieldwork with our auditors, and finalizing plans for the coming month.
Eat Local Month
September is Eat Local Month, an entire month devoted to celebrating LOCAL. We will be telling the stories of local vendors, offering free samples, as well as sales on local products. Plus, each week for the month, we will draw names for the winners of one of 30 gift bags valued at $100 for both online and in-store entries. Be sure to enter on Instagram, Facebook, or our website, plus when you are next in one of our stores.
Buy one get one—BOGO
Starting on August 30th lasting through September 12th, we are offering a promotional sales event you might want to take advantage of. This is your chance to “buy one and get one” FREE of about 40 products to fill your shopping cart and pantry. See list here.
Inclusive Environment Policy
At Willy Street Co-op, we strive to create and maintain an environment to shop, work, or gather that promotes respect and safety for our staff, customers, vendors, and community members. To this end, we have established a policy regarding our expectations of customer behavior. We did this in response to recent hate stickers and messages that were posted on Co-op property and on social media.
Visit www.willystreet.coop/store-policies to see the complete policy language or find it posted in each of our sites.
1226 Williamson Street
Owners were asked to vote on a name for our new location across the street from Willy East. Aubergine received the most votes. Aubergine, while not an everyday word in the States, means eggplant in French and the color brownish-purple in Britain, France, and Germany—both tie to our iconic image. And, this space is located in the Marquette neighborhood, which also has French connections.
Self-Checkout Stations at Willy East
In the last few months, about 25% of Willy West transactions have happened at their self-checkout stations. Customers who prefer to check out with a cashier can often spend less time waiting during busy times thanks to this other option.
Later this fall we plan to install four self-checkout registers at Willy East to offer customers there the same option. We have no plans to reduce labor or working hours among store clerk staff as part of this initiative. Staff members will be on hand at the self checkout station to provide assistance to customers as needed.
Willy North Milestone
Last month, we issued payment of the last of the 7-year bonds to Owners for the opening of our third store, Willy North. I want to extend my sincere thanks and gratitude to all you Owners who believed in us and our vision for Willy North.
2023/2024 Annual Board Elections
Annual Board elections are just around the corner. Ballot information will be included in the October issue of the Reader and will also be sent to you via email and/or US mail. You can cast your ballot at any one of our stores or mail it to us using a paper ballot or via electronic ballot (provided we have your current email address).
Election results will be announced at the Special Owner meeting scheduled for Monday, October 16 at 7:00 pm. Look for election updates on the Co-op’s website following the special meeting or in the next issue of the Reader.
eCommerce update
We evaluated our current eCommerce (shop and deliver) program and have determined that we need to change platforms. We are looking for a shopping website that can be used on mobile devices as well as offer expanded services to seven days a week. These changes are happening in the coming months; stay tuned for future updates.
Festival Perks Passes—last opportunity of the season
Willy Street Co-op Owners with a Festival Perks Pass will be able to get half-priced meals and beverages at the Northside Festival at Mallards stadium Saturday, September 23, from 2pm-5pm. See more information at willystreet.coop/owner-festival-perks.
2023 Madison Fairs and Music Festivals
This month, the final month of the 2023 festival season Willy Street Co-op is proud to sponsor two more neighborhood events:
• Willy Street Fair: September 16- 17
• Northside Festival: September 23
Special store hours
On the first Monday in September, we celebrate Labor Day. All stores are open until 7:00pm on that day.