Why Co-op
What makes Co-op unique?
Our unique business model foundation is laid upon the following mission and vision statements.
Mission Statement: Providing exceptional service and quality products for the benefit of our members and communities.
Vision Statement: We will be the leading corporate citizen in our communities by employing cooperative principles to be a diverse, environmentally sound and profitable enterprise.
And our uniqueness is further enhanced by our 7 CO-OP principles.
- Open & Voluntary Membership
- Democratic Member Control
- Members’ Economic Participation
- Autonomy & Independence
- Education, Training & Information
- Cooperation among Cooperatives
- Concern for Community
Further to these, the CO-OP exudes all of the following qualities.
Locally Invested
Your local Co-op is here for you. We live where you live, work where you work, and we are helping grow the economy right here. We are your neighbours and we make sustainable investments in the communities we share. Doing business with your Co-op creates good jobs and economic activity close to home – just as it has been since your Co-op opened for business.
Community Minded
A strong social conscience has always been part of how your Co-op operates. Our business has been built on a foundation of community involvement and service. We will run a strong, financially viable business that has the potential to return profits to our members and we invest in the communities in which we operate. We are part of your hometown and care about and support the causes that matter to you, your community and neighbouring communities.
Lifetime Membership Benefits
Your Co-op membership offers you a lifetime of rewards including the promise of high-quality products and service at competitive prices. We also offer the potential for annual cash-back and an equity account that grows over time, as well as the opportunity to get involved as a member-owner. This makes us a different kind of business; our profits are your profits and they are invested directly back into the community through you.
Convenience
Co-op stores are built to serve the local community and are typically small to medium sized stores that are easy to get into, easy to shop at and easy to get out of.
Product selection
In addition to a good selection of your favourite national brand products, Co-op has private label products, which offer extra value and a no-hassle guarantee.
Local products
Co-op buys local products whenever possible.
Personalized service
Co-op strives to treat each customer as an owner of the business. We try to offer a friendly, pleasant shopping experience. Many people comment on the friendly, down-home, relaxed, rural atmosphere, where the staff know you (and your kids) by name, and where we even sometimes remember your number. High-Performance Service provides a noticeably different experience at the gas pumps.
Co-op Equity and Cash Back
Co-op provides equity and cash back to our members. For more details please see “What is Co-op Equity and Cash Back?” on our Membership Benefits page.
Co-op Supports Your Local Community
Our local community is important to us and we back that up with financial support. Please see other pages on our site for how your Co-op is involved in your community.
