Crow Wing Food Co-op: Business Soars Despite Economic Tailspin

by Jenny Gunsbury

Even on a cold winter's day, the atmosphere and service are warm and friendly at the Crow Wing Food Co-op in downtown Brainerd. General Manager Linda Michurski has to keep propping the front door open as customers come and go to compensate for the hot afternoon sun filtering in through the large south-facing windows.

That's not the only sunny spot for the 30-year old co-op these days. "Despite the current state of the economy, the Crow Wing Food Co-op continues to thrive," explains Michurski. "Our sales have increased at least 15% over last year." She attributes this success to the great selection of local produce, meats and large array of bulk items, such as rice, grains, and flours sold in five to fifty pound bags. "We have seen a consistent rise in our bulk special orders in the past year. Oatmeal and bread four are especially hard to keep in stock," she says.

The co-op is committed to offering a wide variety of natural, healthy products. Along with grocery fare like cereals, canned goods and snacks, they stock organic fruits, vegetables, and Peace coffee. Gluten-free foods, fresh herbs and spices, health and beauty items, vitamins and supplements, cleaning supplies, pet foods, cookbooks, and bulk molasses and honey round out their inventory. "We even have healthy chicken nuggets," says Michurski.

"In times like these, specialty stores like ours seem to experience continued growth as people can no longer afford to dine out. Yet, they still want to eat high-quality food," explains Michurski. "We also carry a nice variety of ethnic foods to satisfy cravings for good take-out food," explains Michurski. Customers can find an assortment of Thai, Mexican, and Indian foods at the co-op.

"We have great customer service. Our staff is very helpful and provides individual attention," adds Michurski. She understands that customers and members see that as an added value to their shopping experience.

Currently, the Crow Wing Food Co-op has over 400 members. You don't need to be a member to shop there, but it does have its perks. Members pay $60 for a lifetime membership. Benefits include a 5% daily discount, quarterly newsletter, a 10% discount on purchases during the monthly member day, voting rights in co-op elections, and the opportunity to serve on the Board of Directors. Most members are local residents, but people from Little Falls to Bemidji make it a regular stop, too. Michurski notes, "In the summer, we also get a lot of people in that are coming up to their lake cabin."

Along with Michurski, the co-op employs five people and also relies on volunteer support. "We have a great group of very dedicated volunteers," says Michurski. "Once a week, we have a core group of 5 or 6 people that arrives at 6 a.m. to unload the delivery truck, price and then stock the shipment." Members who volunteer their time and talent get further discounts on store items.

With member and volunteer support, Michurski sees growth in co-op's future. "We hope to relocate and expand, with plans to include a kitchen and deli," she explains. "We're not sure when that might happen, but the Board of Directors has relocation and finance committees in place to move the process along." In the midst of troubling economic news, the Crow Wing Food Co-op is definitely a bright spot for the Brainerd community.

The Crow Wing Food Co-op is located at 823 Washington Street in Brainerd; the store is open from 9 a.m. - 7 p.m. The co-op telephone number is (218) 828 - 4600.