Dear Co-op Owners,
It is no understatement to say that our Owner Rewards Loyalty Points program has been used and appreciated by many since its roll-out on January 1, 2020. Over the years, we’ve given away approximately $30,000 annually in discounts to members ($149,050 from January 2020 – December 2024), and that amount continues to grow each year.
Owner Rewards programs are common at food co-ops, and many have seen increased membership and sales as a result of offering loyalty programs. We were hopeful for similar growth here at Chico Natural Foods Co-op, however, after five years of operation, our membership and sales numbers have remained relatively flat since the program’s launch. Unfortunately, this program, rather than supporting growth, has become a financial challenge, impacting our ability to cover rising expenses.
After careful review, and with the long-term sustainability of the Co-op in mind, we have made the difficult decision to discontinue the Owner Rewards Loyalty Points program, effective February 1, 2025. This decision was not made lightly, but it is necessary for the future health of our Co-op as we explore new ways to bring value to your membership.
We recognize that this is a significant change, so we’re providing plenty of time to use any accumulated points before they expire on April 30, 2025.
The good news? While we’re discontinuing the Owner Rewards Loyalty Points program, we are committed to offering sales and promotions that deliver meaningful savings and help attract new members. Our goal is to strengthen our Co-op community with sustainable initiatives that support long-term success and growth.
As we continue to navigate our financial journey, the Co-op remains a beloved community market. We want to reassure you that, as always, our commitment to providing high-quality products at fair prices remains unchanged. We’ve recently remodeled our store to make it more welcoming and accessible for all of our owners and shoppers. With the retail grocery landscape evolving rapidly, shopping at the Co-op for your groceries, local produce, and fresh foods is the best way to support Chico’s only community-owned grocery store.
We are so grateful to our 2,500+ Co-op Owners who continue to make the Co-op a cherished community hub for all things local, natural, and organic. Your ongoing support helps ensure the Co-op’s place as a vital resource in our community.
Yours Co-operatively,
Liza Tedesco
General Manager
