Downtown Co-op: Fastest Growing Co-op Storefront in the Country
Roanoke Natural Foods Co-op is pleased to announce its Downtown Co-op had the largest same-store sales growth over the previous year of all members of the National Co+op Grocers (NCG). This achievement reflects first quarter sales growth trends reported by NCG’s 143 members, which operate more than 190 storefronts. News of this success comes as the Downtown Co-op celebrates its second anniversary on the Historic City Market in Downtown Roanoke.
“We really listen to our customers’ requests,” says Jon Shup, Downtown Co-op’s Store Manager. “That’s why we’re seeing our business grow. We bring in special requests for our shoppers and we aren’t afraid to try new things.”
In 2015 Q1, sales growth averaged 35% for the natural foods store operating out of the first floor of Center in the Square, with an impressive 44.5% sales growth in January. Over that time the store saw an average increase of 180 more customers per week over the previous year.
“We’re seeing lots of new customers every day,” says Shup. “New downtown residents and workers are discovering healthy options and learning what a co-op is all about. That’s a lot to celebrate!” To celebrate news of this sales growth and its second birthday, the co-op is giving out cheesecake bites from its Happy Belly Deli free to Downtown Co-op customers on Saturday, May 16.
