The Bethesda Co-op has served as Cabin John’s neighborhood market for 35 years. Back in the day, its natural food offerings made it a unique destination that drew customers from miles away. But supermarkets now sell aisles of organic products and the co-op knows it needs to do more to stay relevant.
At the Sept. 26 Cabin John Citizens Association meeting we will be hosting a conversation with the Co-op starting at 7:30 p.m. at the community center. It’s your chance to tell Co-op General Manager Helen Atkocious, a Cabin John resident, and her assistant, Mary Jaeger, what the store needs to stock and other changes it should consider to make you a regular customer. They also will share some challenges they face and answer questions about the business.
One of the big benefits the co-op offers is convenience. Not only are they within walking distance, they also stay open 13-hours a day, from 8 am to 9 pm. (On Sundays the hours are 8 am to 8 pm.) But the nearness and long hours are not translating into adequate sales. Please bring your suggestions and concerns. Come join the conversation to help the co-op serve our community for years to come.
By Susan Shipp