"Big enough to meet your needs. Small enough to meet your neighbors." That sign was painted on the Co Op window when I started shopping there six months ago. Recently removed as part of a front spruce up, it is worth memorializing the phrasing here since since it seemed just right..
While we're on phrasing, to riff on the old Amex slogan...
...MEMBERSHIP HAS ITS' BENEFITS:
You don't need to be a Co Op member to shop here but, really, if you Co Op shop just once a month why wouldn't you? It costs only $65 to join, a one time fee with no annual dues. But if you join on the first Friday of any month you get a $15 discount and membership is only $50. Why one would join other than a first Friday, I know not.
Members are entitled to periodic specials. Better yet, once a month on any day of your choice you can receive a 10% discount on your entire order. You will very quickly recover that $50 membership fee!
On that same day of the month you also will receive a 10% discount from any purchases at the Co Op Wine Shop or the Co Op Pet Shop just across the parking lot. The 10% off the Wine Shop discount one day a month sure comes in handy for my hubby and me.
Even if those other two shops don't beckon to you, there are...
...SO MANY THINGS TO LIKE HERE:
PEOPLE: Friendly staff, including the young woman checker who went out of her way when it was evident I was a stranger in a new land on my first few visits to talk to me each time, make you feel welcome.
PREPARED FOODS & DELI: They list local purveyors used in their dishes, all of which are made in house. (Try that at Whole Foods...you won't find it.) This is the only market where I trust the take away and enjoy it. PS to my omnivore, vegan, vegetarian and paleo friends, there are an equal number of great options for all.
CHEESE: A very good selection of domestic and imported and a super helpful woman, who also once lived in my former home city, works there who always has a wonderful tip or two. .
PRODUCE: Leans almost all organic, has local vendors (like Purple Sage and Peaceful Belly) and carries things no one else does, like the fresh Emmett grown strawberries that went into October this year. Their seasonal offerings can't be beat. This week they had two kinds of fresh kumquats, most groceries carry none at all, and beautiful escarole.
BAKERY: Local breads, like Gaston's wonderful Pouichette and Acme's teriffic breads of all kinds are sold here. Their in house bakery has the most mmmmmarvelous ginger cookies and lots of other good things. They have Wildflower Bakery treats, like baked apple cider donuts or blueberry pound cake on a display. They also have Boise's own Guru donuts.
PACKAGED FOODS: In addition to staples, like canned tomatoes, in brands we use, the Co Op always seems to have what I'm looking for that is hard to find elsewhere. Pomegranate molasses, for example.. They also have a great selection of top end, Italian made, speciality shape pastas. My husband is a very happy guy that they have Willamette Valley Fruit Growers frozen berries in the freezer section in 2 pound bags.
DAIRY: The dairy section is a bit small, but they have yogurt and buttermilk which does it for me.
MEATS $ FISH: The meat section is also a bit small, but what they do have is organic and humanely raised and the butchers there know their stufff. The fish selection is even smaller and we normally find ourselves at Reel to buy ours.
TUNES: Music on the sound system is so great it makes me want to sing and dance as I shop.
INSIDE SEAT TO EAT: There is a nice area inside where you can sit to nosh. Seating is both at high counters and standard tables so accessible to everyone.
THIS N THAT:
1) PARKING: Can be bumper cars even though the lot is good sized. Proceed with caution.
2) ACCESSIBILITY: From accessible parking in the door and throughout ample aisles, all is good.
3) NEIGHBORS: The Co Op Wine Shop is unarguably the finest in Boise. It may even be the best wine seller we've ever had the fun of shopping at and it is just across the parking lot. See those reviews too. Richard's Cafe Vincino two doors down from the Wine Shop is a wonderful place for lunch or dinner.
4) MERIDIAN ON THE HORIZON: Co Op is opening a second location in Meridian. Will be closer to home for me. Wohoo! Their goal is summer 2015. read more