Cooperatively Curated
You'll find groceries you love from brands you can trust at the co-op. Product sourcing expert Sally Colacino is the secret behind the selection.
“I enjoy seeing and talking to customers and being part of the community through the work I do–we wouldn’t be here without the people who shop. It’s just a joy to work with good people in a place with good energy.”
When the Viroqua Food Co+op opened its doors nearly 30 years ago, Sally Colacino was one of the first employees. Now, three decades later, she ensures that the products we carry align with the co-op’s mission of providing access to natural, organic, and local foods. Sally’s role as Purchasing and Merchandising Manager focuses primarily on the wide variety of products in the grocery aisles. Finding the mix that co-op customers rely on takes time, research and an awareness of consumer trends.
Staff members Mary & Sally goofing
off in the back office of our first
co-op location.
When we consider any new item, we first see if it fits our product policy, which prohibits things like artificial dyes and sweeteners. Then we check to see if we have room on the shelf to add a new product. If products don't sell, we have a process to remove them from the shelf so we can carry more of what customers are looking for. When we have empty shelf space we seek out items that add balance and variety to our product mix.
Local products get priority, and we do extra work to get them on the shelf. The co-op is often the first retail shelf for new local producers and is committed to the work it takes to have local products from many producers on the shelf. Our direct relationships with local producers sets us apart from other grocers. We know the people behind the products, and this allows us to connect shoppers to the food they eat, building a community around local food.
Another large piece of our product mix is the items in a Co+op Deals sales flyer. Our relationship with National Co-op Grocers (NCG), allows us to carry products for all kinds of special diets, uplift brands that support marginalized communities, and champion products that provide environmentally friendly food and packaging. Plus, we can offer certified organic products at low prices with our Field Day and Wild Harvest brands. The Co+op Deals sales and Co+op Basi¢s programs give co-op shoppers nationwide the benefit of co-ops working together with volume pricing that lowers the cost of food on brands you can trust.
Finally, we look to see what is missing. For example, we try to have a variety of price points on the shelf so shoppers can choose what best fits their budget. We also consider customer suggestions and often get requests for products that make it to the shelf.