We at the Littleton Consumer Cooperative Society have been busy working toward our goal of opening a regional cooperative food store by the end of this year.
Thanks to the more than 500 members who have joined the Co-op so far!
Here's an update of what we've been up to:
Last fall we signed a Purchase and Sale agreement on a 3.9-acre parcel of land at the corner of Cottage Street and Route 302. We feel this location is ideal, as it's close to both downtown Littleton and Interstate-93.
Our Facilities Committee has hired Bast & Rood Architects and Horizons Engineering and is developing a site plan, which will include a store of about 12,000 square feet with space allowed for future expansion. Horizons has completed and submitted the required state applications for the site.
The Facilities Committee has also conducted a survey of members to determine what you most want to see in our store. Thanks to the 304 of you who participated - about a 60 percent response!
The survey results indicate that about 90 percent of members consider unique and high quality foods and products, as well as locally grown goods, as "very important" or "important" to include in the Co-op store. A focus on good customer service also ranked high among respondents.
Results from the survey, which also garnered members' opinions on the inclusion of products ranging from ethnic foods to beer and wine, will be used in designing the layout of the store. A summary of the survey results will be posted on our website soon.
Our Finance Committee is working with all six local banks to provide construction financing, which will allow the Co-op to complete the purchase of the site and construct the store.
"All the banks want to be supportive of this project," said banker and Finance Committee member Carol Walker. "They're all working together."
The committee is also working to line up subordinate lenders and putting together an application for a $470,000 Community Development Block Grant.
Our Publicity Committee is working to revise our website (www.littletoncoop.org) and to keep the information there fresh, as well as updating local and regional news outlets on the Co-op's happenings.
The Publicity Committee is also finalizing details on a member loan package, which will be an important part of our financing. The member loan package will be available soon, with information posted on the website.
The Co-op is also raising funds through the sale of reusable shopping bags. The durable bags, sporting the Littleton Food Co-op logo, are available for $5 at the Village Book Store, Merrill's Agway, Littleton Bike & Fitness, Track-Side Farm & Garden, and Four Seasons Aquatic & Sport Center. All proceeds go straight to the Co-op, with thanks to Northern Lights Federal Credit Union for making this fundraiser possible.
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