Did you know? The Co-op is open 63 hours per week and stocks close to 2000 SKUs--all with essentially a skeleton paid staff. How do we do it, you ask?
With our working members, of course! Our working members contribute between 130 and 150 hours of time per month, and the Co-op couldn't exist without them. Each month, our working members:
run the register
restock the store
refill bulk containers
package cheeses and other repack items
clean, clean, clean!
pick up products from local vendors
help with store decorating
special projects like interior remodeling, minor repairs, data entry, events
And many more!
Our working members who work 4 hours/month receive a 12% discount on purchases in the store--those who put in more hours get greater discounts. Working members also get a "peek behind the curtain" of how businesses like ours are run, and an opportunity to interact with other working members and members of the community who come into shop, while they're on their shift.
We definitely couldn't exist without our current working members and their amazing contributions. But the fact of the matter is that we need more help. Our staff is stretched to the limit, and in this financial climate we are forced to do more with less, like lots of other businesses. If you believe the Co-op is an integral part of the Cambridge community, an important Main St. destination, and a vital outlet for local farmers and producers, consider joining the ranks of Co-op working members. You can reach out to our membership manager here.
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