Co-op Essentials, a first of its kind food store opens in Surrey

Surrey, B.C. (June 11, 2024) — Co-op Essentials, a first of its kind, newly designed food store has officially opened its doors in Surrey. The new store format is being piloted by Otter Co-op and Federated Co-operatives Limited (FCL).

Co-op Essentials is a convenient one-stop shop with everyday savings on everyday essentials. Whether you’re looking for tried-and-true staples, high-quality fresh produce or exciting Co-op branded products, you’ll find what’s essential to you at a great value – everyday!

“FCL is proud to have partnered with local Co-ops to design this new concept,” said Rick Fernandes, Vice President Consumer Products, FCL. “What makes Co-op a different kind of business is that each local Co-op and their community are distinct, and we want to celebrate that. This new format allows us to extend the Co-op food offering to new customers and communities and provide everyday savings to the consumer.”

Compared to conventional Co-op food stores, Co-op Essentials has a smaller store footprint, a strong focus on local and Co-op brand products and ensures everyday savings. Built on Co-op’s community values-based approach, it promises to deliver a unique shopping experience in an engaging store environment designed to get customers in and out with ease.

“Otter Co-op is excited to bring Co-op Essentials to the Cloverdale community,” said Jack Nicholson, CEO Otter Co-op. “This new format is designed to understand and quickly adapt to customers changing lifestyles to meet their unique needs. I’m genuinely excited for this new food store, and the positive impact it will have on our community.”

Today, Otter Co-op is hosting a grand opening event in Cloverdale at 17433 56th Ave (Hwy 10) with a ribbon cutting at 11 a.m. (PST) and store opening to follow. The first 500 customers will receive a free four litre jug of milk, among other special offers and prizes.

Co-op Essentials promises the same positive benefits that local Co-ops across Western Canada have fostered for nearly a century and what makes us a different kind of business. We remain true to our roots by delivering a quality experience, celebrating community and returning profits to our members. Otter Co-op members can use their Co-op number and will earn equity on their purchases at Co-op Essentials. For more information on Co-op Essentials, visit essentials.crs.

About Federated Co-operatives Limited and the Co-operative Retailing System

Federated Co-operatives Limited (FCL), based in Saskatoon, is focused on providing more than 160 local Co-ops across Western Canada with strategy and leadership, wholesaling, manufacturing, logistics, operational support, business-enabling services and marketing support. Together, FCL and those local co-operatives form the Co-operative Retailing System (CRS). The CRS serves our members and communities with products and services that help grow, build, feed and fuel individuals and communities from Vancouver Island to northwestern Ontario. Our total workforce of over 26,400 employees serve more than 2 million active individual members and many more non-member customers at 1,600+ retail locations in more than 650 communities. We are a different kind of business – we are locally invested, community-minded, care for the environment and offer lifetime membership benefits, including patronage refunds, quality products, quality service and fair prices. More information is available at www.fcl.crs and www.co-op.crs.

About Otter Co-op

Otter Co-op has served its members and guests since 1922. Today, Otter Co-op has more than 850 employees that serve over 50,000 active members across the Greater Vancouver Regional District, Fraser Valley, and BC Interior. Otter Co-op operates over 65 locations, including Food and Pharmacy stores, Gas Bars, “Angry Otter” Liquor Stores, Restaurants and Bulk Petroleum and Feed Operations. Otter Co-op donates over $400,000 annually through cash and in-kind products and services to various organizations, teams, and events. Over the past five years, Otter has also supported its members with more than $25 million in patronage refunds through cash and equity. More information is available at www.otterco-op.crs.

 (end)