FROM THE GENERAL MANAGER

I am happy to report we had great sales in August. 
2016 $207,419
2017 $226,518

That is 9% growth year-over-year. Growth in the current competitive grocery climate is good news! Many grocery stores including Whole Foods and food co-ops are experiencing a decline in sales so we are grateful for these numbers. Thank you to our shoppers and owners who shop the co-op! Thank you to our dedicated staff who work hard to keep our store running smoothly during our many changes.

Please know we're not the only ones going through transition, the entire grocery industry is changing at an incredible rate and with the news of Amazon.com buying Whole Foods we can be certain it will continue to change in dramatic ways. All stores need to adjust to the new competitive landscape where our major competitors are retail giants such as Target and Walmart, and now e-commerce giant Amazon.com.

This news is alarming for independent stores and co-ops in particular. How this merger will affect our coop remains to be seen but it is more important than ever for all co-op owners to become involved in their stores. As an owner, you can help by shopping the co-op, volunteering, running for the board, joining a committee, attending a board meeting, or simply by giving us your feedback. 

Our last customer satisfaction survey was in 2015, a new one is in the making. We hope to gather important information from you, our valued customers. Please start thinking about your shopping habits, your budget, how much of your budget goes to your co-op and what it would take for you to shop more at PFC. We will to use this information to improve your shopping experience. In the meantime, I encourage everyone to come in and see our new products, try our new deli menu, and compare our prices.

What would it take for you to spend 10% or 20% more of your grocery budget at (y)our co-op? Every dollar matters and has impact! A successful co-op means more money back into our local economy, more money back to our local producers and local farmers, and patronage refunds back to our owners. Cooperatives are community-owned and community-driven, and our success benefits our community!

Thank you all for your continued support of our co-op. It is an honor and a privilege to be a part of this community.

As always, please contact me directly if you have additional questions, suggestions, or ideas. regina@placervillecoop.org

Regina
General Manager

• Cornucopia Institute’s six year focus on the health effects of carrageen was successful in getting this additive removed on November 2016 from the national organic standards list of allowable substances in organics. Read more here.
• What questions to ask when you are at a farmers market without an organic choice? Read here: Cornucopia’s DIY consumer guide.
• Go to the following link to help Cornucopia Institute Keep Organics Rooted in Nutritious Soil by signing the proxy letter to the National Organic Standards Board in support of organic farming in healthy soils.