Frequently Asked Questions

  1. What will the Wasatch Cooperative Market be?

  2. Why should I become an owner in the cooperative grocery market?

  3. Will you have to be a member-owner to shop at the Co-op?

  4. How much does it cost to become a member-owner?

  5. Who benefits from the Wasatch Cooperative Market's existence?

  6. Where will the first store be located?

  7. Who controls a co-op?

  8. Will the Wasatch Cooperative Market be a non-profit organization?

  9. How can I distinguish a co-op from other organizations?

10. What motivates people to form a co-op?

This is a working list. Please contact us with any questions or if any answers require clarification.

1. What will the Wasatch Cooperative Market be?

The Wasatch Cooperative Market will be a consumer-owned grocery store that sells high quality natural, healthy, sustainable foods, goods and merchandise-with an emphasis on foods, goods, and merchandise produced locally-in accordance with our mission and vision. Products sold in the co-op will reflect our shared goal of a sustainable future for everyone in the community. As a cooperatively owned business the Wasatch Cooperative Market will adhere to the principles and values common to all cooperatives read more.

2. Why should I become an owner in the cooperative grocery market?

There are many reasons one would want to become an owner in the co-op. For instance, it allows you to be a stakeholder in a socially responsible, consumer-owned, community-based local business. It will allow you to receive the financial benefits of ownership (i.e., patronage refunds and/or promotions). Also, your ownership will help promote sustainable agriculture and help preserve the rural landscape and heritage. Finally, you'll be part of a store that prides itself on responsive and outstanding customer service and its ability to share reliable information with consumers.

3. Will you have to be an owner to shop at the Co-op?

No, everyone will be welcome to shop at the store. However, owners will enjoy benefits that are not available to non-owners. We will post more information on those specific benefits as we get further along in the process. Check back frequently for more details!

4. How much does it cost to become an owner?

For consumer-owned food co-ops today the cost of an owner unit ranges from $100 to about $400. Based on our assessment of capital needs, we have set the cost of one Class A Member-Owner Unit (i.e. the cost of becoming a member-owner in the Wasatch Cooperative Market) at $300. The ownership drive has begun, click here to get started.

5. Who will benefit from the Wasatch Cooperative Market's existence?

Our co-op will exist primarily for the benefit of the owners. Our co-op will also support other parts of the community through various programs and philanthropic activities as part of our commitment to cooperative values and principles. Further, the co-op will create jobs in the community and will providing livable wages, training, benefits, and education. The co-op will also be great for local farmers, producers, growers, entrepreneurs and artisans, as we plan to emphasize buying locally where possible.

6. Where will the first store be located?

A marketing and feasibility study is planned to help us determine a good location. As we get closer to the time to conduct that study, we'll need to have some locations in mind. While we have no specific locations at this point, we are generally considering Salt Lake City neighborhoods such as Downtown, the University of Utah area, and Sugarhouse. Please feel free to suggest additional areas and/or specific locations!

7. Who controls a co-op?

Owners control the direction of the business by electing a Board of Directors and voting on relevant issues. The elected Board will monitor the day-to-day business and operations, set goals and hire staff, and ensure the growth and success of the co-op. Ultimately, the Board is accountable to the owners for its decisions. One will need to be an owner in the co-op to be eligible to serve on the Board of Directors.

8. Will the Wasatch Cooperative Market be a non-profit organization?

No. Although co-ops can be set up as non-profits, the cooperative grocery market we are organizing will be for-profit. For-profit status allows us to meet a couple of our primary objectives: 1) provide member patronage refunds and 2) provide funding to support activities in the community that are consistent with our mission and vision. For-profit status also allows us the greatest level of flexibility in conducting our business.

9. How can I distinguish a co-op from other organizations?

The International Co-operative Alliance (ICA) defines a cooperative as 'an autonomous association of persons united voluntarily to meet their common economic, social, and cultural needs and aspirations through a jointly-owned and democratically-controlled enterprise.' For more on what a co-op is, please see our What is a consumer-owned food co-op page. Our consumer-owned food co-op is a grocery market that sells foods, goods and services while adhering to the seven principles of cooperatives. A co-op is not necessarily a charitable organization or a social service agency, though one of the principles of cooperatives is concern for community.

In the Salt Lake City area there are organizations with 'co-op' in their name doing great work providing low cost food items to community members. There's also a producer cooperative. None of these operates as a consumer-owned cooperative, jointly-owned and democratically controlled by the consumers. Ours will be the first!

10. What motivates people to form a co-op?

Co-ops return financial gains to their owners, whether through patronage refunds, discounts, or promotions. Co-ops keep wealth in the local economy and provide a stable market for local farmers and producers. Co-ops allow people with shared needs and wants to come together to buy certain products, services, markets, or community based activities. Often, the desire to have a voice in the direction of the business and the products that are sold is a motivator. Many also desire to contribute to the local community through community development activities, and to watch their patronage dollars create good things in the community.