by Gail Falk, Staff Writer

Customers who shopped at the Co-op in the village will remember Deb Bothfeld as the unfailingly friendly face at the checkout counter, where she worked for three years. As a staff person from the old store working at the new store, she enjoys greeting old customers and bringing her knowledge and experience to the brand new Bulk Food section.

The Bulk section is so new that some customers are unaware of it, located beyond the grocery shelves next to the front window. Deb works with lead buyer Lisa Howard to order and stock bulk foods and coffee, and she helps out on the spices. She also does repacking.

The Bulk section in the new store is similar to the old Co-op bulk section with “good old tried and true” products, such as Farnham maple syrup, canola and olive oils, oats, lentils, flours, but also new choices. For instance, the bulk section now carries King Arthur all purpose flour. Because there are more customers, deliveries come more frequently, and hence the food is fresher. Right now the Co-op is working on building up reserves in case tariffs increase prices or reduce supply.

Deb and Lisa are working with new distributors, such as Hillcrest and KeHE, comparing prices and looking to get the best deals on bulk foods. They are finding the distributors willing to be flexible and offer good deals to a new business. Also, Deb says, it helps to have the store’s accounts paid up to date.

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