Cornucopia’s Take: PCC, the nation’s largest natural-foods retail co-op, is soon to open its 12th store. As marketing becomes more attuned to “natural” and “sustainable” claims, co-ops are working to keep their customers.
PCC’s challenge to keep its brand relevant, yet retain its core values
Seattle Times
by Janet I. Tu
 |
The 11-store natural foods co-op is trying to reach newcomers who may not know much, if anything, about the 63-year-old co-op, and retain its loyal members at the same time.
On a recent weekday evening, Rebecca Harrell tasted some roasted tomato pasta salad at PCC Natural Markets’ new Bothell location and surveyed the expanse of produce, the prominent prepared-foods bars and the checkout counters off to the side.
Compared to the co-op’s Kirkland location, she said, “This one is a lot more airy, open — it’s easier to find things.”
Harrell, 24, moved to the Puget Sound area about two years ago from Cheney, Spokane County, and hadn’t even heard of the co-op before that. But these days, she’s been impressed enough that she stops in regularly at the Bothell store for a snack before her workout at a nearby gym.
