DIFFERENT THAN OTHER GROCERY STORES
Willy Street Co-op is different than other grocery stores. A co-op, or cooperative, is a company that is owned by customers who invest in the business. We are guided by the Eight Cooperative Principles. Everyone can shop at the Co-op, but Owners receive extra benefits.
Est. 1974
Willy Street Co-op started in 1974, when a group of people wanted to provide quality food for their families. They began the Co-op in order to find and sell fresh, local, organic, and natural foods.
Locations
Over the years, the Co-op has grown to serve many Owners from many different locations. We have expanded to offer more products, we opened a production kitchen and we have three stores. Willy East and Willy North are in Madison, and Willy West is in Middleton.
Owner
As an Owner, when you purchase food and products you invest in a business you own. You support local farmers, product suppliers, and staff who live and work in your community.
Know Your Food
Details about our local farmers, Cornucopia Scorecards, and as well as allergen information.
Store Policies
Learn about policies and procedures affecting all of our Willy Street Co-op locations, including recalls, returns and refunds, grounds policies, and more.
8 Cooperative Principles
A cooperative (or co-op) is a business operated and democratically controlled by its membership of Owners to meet their common needs and aspirations.
Cooperation Among Co-ops
Co-op Principle Six is Cooperation Among Cooperatives. Cooperatives serve their Owners most effectively and strengthen the cooperative movement by working together through local, regional, national and international structures. You are more successful when you cooperate with others who know how to cooperate.
Willy Street Co-op participates in a lot of cooperative efforts locally, regionally, and nationally. Below is a list of resources for cooperatives and cooperatives where we are members. Click here to see a directory for all the Co-ops in the state of Wisconsin.
Blooming Prairie Foundation | Food Co-op Initiative
National Cooperative Business Association | National Cooperative Grocers
UW Center for Cooperatives
8 COOPERATIVE PRINCIPLES
1. Voluntary, Open Ownership
2. Democratic Owner Control
3. Owner Economic Participation
4. Autonomy and Independence
5. Education, Training and Information
6. Cooperation Among Cooperatives
7. Concern for the Community
8. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
