The benefits Owners receive, in addition to partial ownership of a natural food grocery, include eligibility for a patronage refund, discounts on case quantity special orders (10%), voting rights, and mailings including the newsletter, The Co-op Current.

OWNERSHIP

To support a cooperatively owned and operated, not-for-profit business: All owners are part owners of Tidal Creek Co-op. Being cooperatively owned means there is no one person at the top of our company making a profit; instead, any monies taken in above operating costs are re-invested in the store.

To have a voice and an investment in the store: Democratic control means that all owners (over the age of 18) can vote. Owners have input in product selection and important Co-op issues. Owners can also vote and serve on the Board of Directors. New owners are invited to attend the quarterly ” Co-op Connection ” where any owner can come meet other co-op owners and where new owners can learn more about the Co-op.

WORKER OWNER PROGRAM

Through the Worker Owner Program, owner have the opportunity to get involved in the daily procedures of our store and earn a discount on their purchases.

ECONOMIC ADVANTAGE

Owners are eligible to receive a patronage refund once a year based on store profits and how much you shop.

Owners benefit from an owners only savings shopping list, over 75 products at an average of 25% off.

Owners receive 5-10% off all purchases on Owner Appreciation Days.

Owners can special order products at below retail price – increasing your savings.

Worker Owner Program: Owners can volunteer to work 4 or 8 hours per month to receive additional discounts. Serving on committees or working on special projects also merit worker-owner status.

SERVICE TO COMMUNITY AND EDUCATION

Special educational events: Lectures and workshops are periodically offered by Co-op staff and guest speakers on subjects such as natural health, organic gardening and natural cooking.  In addition, the Co-op participates in local health and environmental fairs and events.

“Co-op Current”: The Co-op’s quarterly newspaper is distributed throughout the Wilmington area. owners can participate by writing articles and letters. Additionally, owners can advertise in “The Co-op Current” at very reasonable rates.

OWNER PRIVILEGES

Special ordering: Thousands of products are available to us from our distributors that we just don’t have the room to stock on a regular basis. Co-op owners have the opportunity to special order product and receive a discount on full case quantities. (A partial deposit may be required on some items.)