The new co-op building has welcomed a record number of customers since it reopened 15 months ago.
Fifteen months ago the Cook County Whole Foods Co-op moved into its new, larger more efficient grocery store with high hopes its members and the public would support the multi-million-dollar expansion and redesign.
Not to worry. In the co-op’s most recent newsletter Jennifer Stoltz, general manager stated, “I am happy to report that we exceeded projections and had a very successful year. Sales grew by 44 percent and topped $3.2 million. We even managed to end the year in the black, which wasn’t expected until 2016.”
Stoltz said the expanded eating area and meeting room, “have been a huge success, and it’s exciting to see it full of people during the summer and winter months.
“Sales to owners dropped from 82 percent to 75 percent, but that is still a high rate of sales to owners and it means we are reaching more people. Higher sales meant that we were able to give more back to the community. We contributed over $4,500 to community outreach events, the Food Shelf and Local Growers Fund. We offered more classes and outreach events than previous years with over 120 attendees up from 90 participants the previous two years.”
Goals for the upcoming year include lowering the price for some organic staples, planning wage increases for employees, and looking at ways to purchase more locally grown organic crops.
Because of the early success, a garden was added outside of the storefront and picnic tables were put on the beach. A new fan system was also installed that has helped keep people warmer (and cooler) when needed.
“Making a net profit was a huge step after one year of operation in the new space,” said Stoltz, “but there was not enough profit to offer a dividend to owners. However, we will continue to give back to our owners and to the community over the coming years.”
The co-op is holding its 2014 Owners’ Annual Meeting on Tuesday, October 28, with a social hour at 6:30 p.m. with beverages and light appetizers, followed by a membership meeting at 7 p.m at the North House Folk School.
The guest speaker is Cindy Hale, PhD presenting Can Local Food Production be Profitable, One Farmer’s Story.
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