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Stuart Reid .�'.'� ... - -�:�w <br /> y:':.':-::�:::::' .. . ��i: <br /> Food Co-op Development Specialist � r;�� <br /> Food Co-op 500 °�'�= <br /> ,�t'��y!� ,�+�� Y�=. <br /> 3d'ti2'� �7i.�F""�`' �'��'°-.r:�: <br /> .1 '.. . <br /> .. . _ .. . <br /> :: . <br /> :� ' <br /> . ,. , <br /> 12345 Goodhue Avenue �� <br /> ..._._,n.a..,,...�;:::...�:�:.,�_>., :;;_ <br /> Dennison, Minnesota.55018 . :.. .. .. v�'= <br /> Tg= <br /> W_;. <br /> �,�`y .> 's' 1�-� ��� '_ �—�"! <br /> �., w�. �. ."-' '�L??�:3 -r`4..�,1.. <br /> ti..«._.�./'.!;..�...;a..:,...,.,._...`...._......' <br /> ..::.:::;::•_>;;...:,?:i:?c::.-:-:T:,.....:::r:::�.:_r:_: <br /> March 21, 2007 <br /> Dear Harvest Moon Co-operators: <br /> You have asked me to provide an outside perspective on the feasibility of opening an 8,000 ft2 retail <br /> natural foods co-op in your community. The ideal store size is determined by several factors. Among <br /> those is the unmet demand within your market area,the potential overall sales potential,the product and <br /> service mix that you will provide and the ability of your organization to raise the funds necessary to <br /> support opening a store of a given size. The Harvest Moon Co-op has an under-served maxket for natural <br /> foods—the fastest growing segment of the grocery industry. In addition,the demographics of your market <br /> area are nearly ideal.There is a high percenta.ge of white-collar workers,upper middleclass incomes, and <br /> college-educated shoppers—all indicators of a strong rnarket. In a highly supportive community such as <br /> yours, successful stores will include a full range of fresh and packaged products as well as an in-house <br /> deli and other"convenience"sections. The absolute minimum retail space that can accommodate this <br /> would be 4,000 ftz. In fact,we feel that a store with less than 3,500 ft2 is unlikely to be sustainable. Given <br /> the broad support and demand within your community,a larger store is actually more likely to be <br /> successful than a smaller store that cannot meet the expecta,tions of your clientele. I would encourage you <br /> to continue planning a lazger storefront and fully expect that you will be able to grow and succeed in <br /> many ways, contributing to the vitality of your community and helping to provide a focal point for <br /> positive community development. <br /> In Cooperation, <br /> Stcca.c�Re�d� <br /> Stuart Reid � <br /> Food Co-op 500 <br />