Expansion

About the move

The past five years have taught us many lessons about what works well and poorly for our customers, and we’re applying those lessons as we seek a new location.

We are currently pursuing a store-front option.  Check back within the next couple months to see how we’re progressing.  Or sign up for our monthly newsletter for automatic updates!  email us at info(at) dailymarket.coop to sign up.

The vision

Our new store will provide more options, convenience and economy to our member–owners and community. Our vision includes:

  • Expanded store hours including mornings, evenings and weekends
  • A more visible and accessible location
  • More fresh produce and bulk foods
  • Greatly expanded inventory of packaged foods
  • Convenient and professional checkout
  • A roomier store
  • Discounts and other benefits for member–owners

As always, we love to hear from our member–owners and customers. If there’s something you want to see at the new Daily Market that isn’t on this list, please contact us.

The budget

Our new budget reflects the market rate for commercial retail space in a central location. We estimate startup costs of $200,000 for the new Daily Market. The final budget will reflect location–specific costs. This estimate is larger than previous figures because we are considering larger spaces, which will require more inventory and a larger cash reserve for operations. The budget includes:

  • Commercial refrigerators and freezers
  • Check–out lanes and equipment
  • Inventory
  • Cash reserves for rent, utilities, and staff salary
  • Advertising
  • Signs

Funding

Because the co–op isn’t a commercial grocery store, traditional funding options (i.e, small business loans) aren’t available to us. We have to raise our own funds. Our plan for the remaining funding includes:

  • Cash donations
  • A drive for new member–owners
  • Private investment above and beyond member–ownership
  • Fixed term loans from member–owners
  • Bank loans
  • Pre–purchases of store goods

If you’re interested in any of these opportunities to invest in Daily Market, please contact our board members through our contact form.

Your time and energy can make a big difference, too. If you can give in these areas, please read How you can help, below.

How you can help

Your time, talents and generosity are essential in making this move happen:

  • Talk to your family, friends and neighbors about the co–op
  • Become a member–owner (A one-time investment of $150, with $10 yearly dues thereafter.)
  • Contribute or invest financially (read Funding, above)
  • Pre–purchase food or a Made in Walla Walla Box
  • Volunteer professional services such as retail merchandising, legal counsel, accounting/ bookkeeping, computer support, human resources, or data entry
  • Volunteer to be a co–op cashier
  • Provide physical labor or a truck/ trailer for the move
  • Help with public outreach, fundraising and communications. This includes phone calls, emails, social media, public speaking and letters to the editor
  • Become a promotion partner
  • Design or build a sign for the new store

If you can help in any of these areas—or in other ways we haven’t thought of—please contact us.