Store FAQs

When will the store open?

Member equity will determine when the store opens. See our timeline built around member equity.

 

Where will the store be?

Our vision has always been a market in the Town Center district of West Chester. We were working with the BID, a professional location consultant, and local real estate professionals to identify the best site. We have just signed a lease for 204 W Market St in downtown West Chester. 

 

 

Do I have to work in the store if I join?

No, West Chester Cooperative does not require members to work. When the store opens, we will have member-owner work opportunities (not requirements) that will provide additional benefits.

 

 

What will my investment be used for?

Member-owner equity investments will be used to meet the capital needs of the business.

 

 

What will the store be like?

It will have on-site free parking and also be bike and pedestrian friendly. We plan to be open 7 days a week with convenient hours and a good selection of the products that you tell us that you want. We expect to have dry grocery, meat, produce, dairy, a prepared foods/deli section, and a café.

 

 

What kind of products will you carry in the store?

This question will be answered by our member-owners. Here is what we have heard from the community thus far: Local food seven days a week!!! Healthy prepared food from local ingredients!!! Fresh, organic, and sustainable at a fair price!!!

 

 

What about the Grower’s Market?

We LOVE our growers at the Market and believe the Co-op can help them gain better access to people who want local food. We hope all of the Grower’s Market farmers will become Co-op suppliers!

 

 

Is the co-op like a CSA?

No! Food Co-ops are grocery stores in which the community owns the equity. CSAs sell shares in the farm’s annual crop, not equity in the farm!

 

 

Is the West Chester Cooperative a 501(c)(3) non-profit?

No.  We are a mission driven business and our purpose is to serve the community but we are not a 501(c)(3)….we pay taxes!