Co op supermarket - returning to its fair trade roots (Co-Op)

Member Name: maria14

Product:	Co-Op
Date:	10/01/09 (76 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: An ethical local supermarket

Disadvantages: Shame the big 4 supermarkets don't follow suite.

I have found that one of the most effective ways of saving money is to avoid the big supermarkets. Particularly Sainsburys and Tescos, I find it impossible to spend less than £40, no matter what I go in for.

So I buy what I need as I need it and stick to the local shops - the greengrocer, the butcher and the Co op, my local shop.

The Co op has undergone a major change in the last 10 years. When I first came to the North West, I hated the Co op. Its main store near us was called Discount Giant - it was dirty and tacky and a thoroughly depressing place to shop.

Since then, the Co op has strived to change its image - by endorsing quality and ethical standards.

The range of goods at my local shop is excellent. The bakery is very good, and the croissants are the best of all the supermarkets, in my opinion. Though at 75p each they are expensive.

The shop is clean, always well laid out and the staff are for the most part friendly. (One grumpy old manageress being the only exception.)

Most significantly the Co op as embraced ethical trading in a big way. It is the only supermarket as far as I am aware that has banned the sale of barn eggs. All eggs sold are free range or organic.

Its been ahead of the game in running Own Brand Fair Trade lines. There is a huge selection and its Own Brand fair trade wine selection is the best of all the supermarkets.

Its organic produce range is also good, especially given that these are in the main local corner shops.

Most of the chicken is marked as being subject to increased welfare standards. In fact, I am almost certain that there is no 'cheap' chicken sold.

Finally, it has led the way in the campaign for clear labelling - its own brand produce are marked if they are high in fat, salt etc. Bottles are labelled with the number of units contained.

For a small store, the Co op have done some great things that the big 4 supermarkets haven't even attempted. The Co op was created as a bastion of fair trade. It is returning to its roots and has created for itself a niche market in the process.

I am proud to shop there. And I wouldn't say that about any of the other supermarkets.

Summary: Shopping locally can save money and endorse ethical values