Here's a reason to join the Park Slope food co-op Coop Prices Compared to Key Food
Ralph Yozzo
See https://linewaitersgazette.com/2024/05/21/how-much-cheaper-are-coop-prices-what-our-survey-found/
The May 2024 survey conducted by the Linewaiters’ Gazette found that members of the Park Slope Food Coop (PSFC) save an average of 25% compared to the nearby Key Food on 7th Avenue.
Here is a summary of the key findings and methodology:
Key Price Comparisons
The survey compared 70 items across 10 categories. Savings varied significantly by department:
Biggest Savings: Found in household goods (34% cheaper) and cheese. For example, Parmigiano Reggiano was $7.45 at the Coop versus $17.99 at Key Food.
Smallest Savings: Found in meat and certain pantry staples like bread and rice.
Specific Examples: * English cucumbers: 73¢ (Coop) vs. $1.99 (Key Food) — 63% savings.
Romaine hearts (3-pack): $4.02 (Coop) vs. $7.99 (Key Food) — 50% savings.
Arnold’s Whole Wheat Bread: $5.15 (Coop) vs. $5.29 (Key Food) — Minimal savings.
Quality vs. Price
The report notes that a direct "apples-to-apples" comparison is often difficult because the Coop prioritizes quality:
Organic vs. Conventional: The Coop often stocks only organic or Fair Trade versions of items (like bananas and eggplant), whereas Key Food stocks cheaper conventional versions.
Meat Standards: While meat prices were similar, the Coop's selection focuses on higher animal welfare standards (grass-fed, pasture-raised), which typically command a premium elsewhere.
How the Coop Keeps Prices Low
Flat Markup: The Coop generally applies a consistent 24% markup over wholesale prices.
Dynamic Pricing: Because of this fixed markup, Coop prices fluctuate weekly based on wholesale costs. For example, eggplant prices dropped nearly $1.00 in just three weeks due to supply changes.
Historical Perspective
The Gazette compared these results to a similar survey from 1992.
In 1992, the markup was lower (16%), but the average savings were remarkably similar at 24%.
Interestingly, household goods were actually more expensive at the Coop in 1992 but are significantly cheaper now.
For seven specific branded items still sold at both stores (like Annie’s Mac & Cheese and Bounty paper towels), the savings gap has grown from 19% in 1992 to 34% today.