OK, since I let this conversation trail off before I could reply, I’m starting a new post.

First off, thanks to everyone for all the feedback.  Both believers and doubters comments are valued.  Actually its the doubters I really want to hear from.  If we were all just a bunch of believers, we’d just nod ourselves into blind consensus.

I reiterate that I believe a downtown grocery that was both practical (“less hemp soap”) and fresh could be a real asset to the community.

My personal unpolished vision would include a focus on fresh meat and produce, along with all the essential grocery store products…though my thought would be to generally steer clear of the big name brands and take more of a “Whole Foods” approach…lots of organic brands…greater focus on local.  I believe prices could be kept relatively low, since a co-op doesn’t need to turn a profit (this is something I need to investigate further).  If there really is a widespread desire in town for this sort of establishment and we did things correctly and inline with the desires of the public, I don’t think we’d have to worry about Kroger or YDFM.  (what IS up with that worsening chemical smell at YDFM?!)

If it was indeed a co-op, it could either be patron or employee-owned.  If it was patron-owned, members would get a small discount off purchases and would be encouraged to volunteer at the store (receiving store credit for hours worked).

Obviously I really don’t have much clue what I’m talking about (except from what I read in this great little manual: How to Start a Food Co-op). We’d need people like Decaturmom’s friend and those with grocery store experience to even determine if such a concept is possible here.   But like I said before, a successful co-op downtown would not only provide a great service to the community, but also create a great gathering/meeting place for members/non-members alike.

As for next steps, here’s what the Cooperative Grocer’s Information Network says are the first two steps to creating a co-op…

1. Gather background: get information, identify needs, convene a core group of interested individuals.
2. Organize: Hold a meeting of potential members to discuss needs and options. Select a steering committee to coordinate the group.

However, there’s no way I’ll personally be able to push this initiative forward until at least 2009.  If we want progress before then, someone else will need to lead the charge.  If you choose to do so, I guarantee you’ll have my complete backing.  If not, watch for me to bring this up again come January.