What's a Co-op?
A cooperative or co-op is a business that is "run for the people, by the people." Cooperatives value self-help, self-responsibility, democracy, equality, equity, and solidarity, and they adhere to seven main cooperative principles by the International Cooperative Alliance, including:
- Voluntary and open membership
- Democratic member control
- Member economic participation
- Autonomy and independence,
- Education, training, and information
- Cooperation among cooperatives
- Concern for community
Community Owned by Members
Membership is different at a Co-op than at a privately-owned discount club in that Co-ops are created to meet the needs of their Members and are owned and governed by their Members.
Community Focused
Co-ops are an alternative business structure which allows people to get what they need in ways that meet their economic, environmental, and social needs. Because Co-ops are based on cooperation, strong bonds are created between Members, the Co-op, and the community. Co-ops can help transform the food system so that farmers receive a fair price for their products, shoppers can purchase products that align with their environmental and social values, and connections are created to make a stronger community.
Hybrid Co-op
City Market isn’t your average grocery store. We’re not your average food co-op, either. We often describe ourselves as a ‘“hybrid co-op” – meaning that we carry a wide range of both organic and conventional products for every budget, and our thousands of local and made in Vermont products share shelf space with national brands.