Historical Background
The Clallam Co-op has endured and prospered for over 80 years by adapting as market conditions change. The Co-op has continued in business largely because it has listened well and remained sensitive to continuing market evolution.
When it was founded in the middle of the Great Depression, and during the following four decades, The Co-op’s mission was to supply the Olympic Peninsula’s agricultural producers. It provided farmers a competitive source for needs ranging from farm machinery and equipment to fuel and eventually feed, grain, and animal supplies. In due course, The Co-op joined other co-ops, like True Value and Cenex (now CHS) to improve access to quality products for retail at competitive prices.
Demand for The Co-op’s earlier product lines diminished because farming declined as the decades passed. Tractors and machinery were eventually dropped, as were fuel delivery and well pump installation and service. The store was remodeled and re-merchandised numerous times to keep pace with changing needs of the community.
The Co-op eventually transformed into a consumer’s cooperative during the 1970’s opening membership to the community and completely redefining the mission and product lines. In 1998 the fuel station was added.
Our Cooperative is part of something big – all geared towards serving America’s farmers and consumers.
In the present decade, heightened competition brings new price pressure while alternatives sources are growing, giving customers more choices. Yet The Co-op still takes a proactive approach toward competition, closely attending to and meeting the needs of the community. Today’s market is calling for new adaptive responses.
Local Buzz is all About
How the Co-Op Became a Country Store
A Big New Sign Outside and Big Doin’s Inside
For better or worse, commercial development in Sequim impacts the entire Olympic Peninsula. This growth means some tough new competition has come to town.
The Clallam Co-op has endured and prospered for over 80+ years by adapting to such changes. The Co-op takes a proactive approach toward competition by focusing on community needs and meeting them. We have continued in business because we listen. That’s what being part of this community means to us.
Co-op Staff and Management have recently completed significant market research, analysis, and planning. We thought things over and came up with a new strategy based on an updated, more recognizable Co-op brand. It’s a Country Store concept with ‘The Co-op Farm & Garden’ image.
We responded to competition by taking a giant leap backwards — to a time when your local country store had what you needed, the staff cared about your shopping experience, knew the stock, and helped you find what you want and solve problems.
The Clallam Co-op has endured and prospered for over 70 years by adapting to such changes. The Co-op takes a proactive approach toward competition by focusing on community needs and meeting them. We have continued in business because we listen. That’s what being part of this community means to us.
Co-op Staff and Management have recently completed significant market research, analysis, and planning. We thought things over and came up with a new strategy based on an updated, more recognizable Co-op brand. It’s a Country Store concept with ‘The Co-op Farm & Garden’ image.
We responded to competition by taking a giant leap backwards — to a time when your local country store had what you needed, the staff cared about your shopping experience, knew the stock, and helped you find what you want and solve problems.
So, what’s this new Country Store notion all about? It’s really four things — refocus, remodel, re-merchandise, and retain.
Refocus — We researched what our local community members need and want. We studied buying patterns and shopping preferences. Then we completely redid the store so it fits local rural living and also saves you both time and money.
Remodel — The new decor follows the Country Store theme. Everyone is invited to come in and enjoy relaxing and appropriate colors, textures, and organization that create a pleasant, yet efficient environment for shopping.
Re-merchandise — We reorganized our stock so you can more easily find supplies for our local farm and garden lifestyle. We carry only high-quality products, at competitive prices, and we give you both depth and breadth of selection.
Retain — While we make so many things new, we’re keeping everything our loyal customers love. Like our legendary customer service — individual attention, help finding what you need, expertise with products, and plenty of free practical fix-it and how-to knowledge.
New Country Store styling and operations all add up to “the premium shopping experience designed for local rural living.” Watch the newspapers for our brand image ads and the new Co-op Farm and Garden logo by Laurel Black Design. These spread awareness of our new identity. We’ll be announcing events and running promotions throughout this year, in the press and on this all-new web site.
On this web site you can subscribe to our email newsletter and enjoy special members-only deals and web-based promotions. See the Welcome Page for links.
We look forward to prosperous years ahead as we continue to serve our community.
The Co-Op Farm & Garden is a proud sponsor of 4H and Future Farmers of America.
