More than 410 member-owners have signed onto the
Northeast Community Co-op Market concept of a community-owned grocery store.
Each member invested a $200 one-time payment to support the cooperatively owned, full-service grocery store that is committed to supporting the local economy by providing a wide selection of locally grown and sourced food products.
The co-op is looking to sign more than 1,500 members by next year in order to open a 10,000-square-foot storefront near the border of northwest Aurora and Stapleton that will serve the communities of northwest Aurora, Stapleton, Lowry, East Colfax, Montclair, Montbello and Park Hill. The area has many convenience and liquor stores but no affordable natural foods grocers.
"A typical food co-op sells on average three times more locally supplied food products than a conventional grocery store," says Thomas Spahr, chairman of the organizing committee's marketing working group.
The co-op concept differs from club stores in that membership is a one-time equity investment and serves as an ownership stake in the business concept. While membership is not required to shop at the food co-op, member-owners will receive certain benefits, including profit sharing, discounts and voting rights.
The organizing committee is considering several sites in north Aurora and Stapleton, including the
Stanley Marketplace at East 25th Avenue and Dallas Street.
The co-op expects the market will have up to $6 million in annual sales and employ up to 25 people at opening.
Contact Confluence Denver Development News Editor Margaret Jackson with tips and leads for future stories at margaret@confluence-denver.com.
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