Two years ago, the Chatham Co-op wasn't doing too well
CHATHAM -- The Chatham Co-op is a cozy store with a small town flavor. And this store is different than most--it's owned by roughly 150 stockholders from Chatham. It's a place where customers buy their groceries and greet their friends.
"You know everyone's story, you know if they're having problems or if, you know, they just had back surgery, so you're going to carry their groceries for them," said employee Shailah Pelto.
And the customers appreciate the personal touch the Co-op offers.
"Oh, I get a lot of personal care; they carry my groceries out,” said customer Elizabeth Hallstrom. “And they love me."
With a recent push for more of this kind of customer service, it's the biggest reason why co-manager Brian Ruska thinks the business has been thriving.
"Ninety percent of the people everybody knows walks through that door, you know, so, and they treat you with a good morning, good afternoon, whatever it might be,” said Ruska. “But my way of turning around and giving it back to them is carry out their groceries, opening the door for them."
And the store has made some additions in the past two years--liquor and lottery sales as well as the sale of hunting and fishing licenses. And the store has also added a can sorter. It used to take employees close to three hours of their eight hour shift to sort cans customers would bring in to exchange for money. Now sorting cans is as easy as throwing them into the machine.
So if you find yourself in Chatham, stop in. You're sure to find an upbeat face behind the counter and friendly customer assistance with your shopping.
TV Station Profiles & Public Inspection Files forWLUC