In August 2024, the Plainfield Co-op grocery store purchased Plainfield Hardware, and the hardware store became a cooperative business, too, owned by the members. Fun fact: both ACE Hardware and True Value Hardware are also cooperatively-owned! According to the national Co-op newsletter, “Hardware is a very competitive business. Being part of a cooperative makes it possible for small-scale, locally-owned business owners to compete.” On Route 2, we are one store — hardware, grocery, deli. Everyone is welcome to shop here, but members have a special role: they literally own the business! The benefits:
- Dividends $$ – Receive annual patronage dividends if the Co-op makes a profit
- Special Orders – Place special orders for grocery or hardware at a discount
- No Shifts! – You don’t need to be a working member or work any shifts
- Prepay – Prepay your account and spend the money as you shop
- Senior Discount – Members age 65 and older get a 3% discount on Tuesdays
Equity Model, Voting Rights – Member-owners contribute equally and have equal standing: one share equals one vote. With your voting rights, help determine the future and direction of the Co-op by electing our board of directors, and voting on real estate decisions, bylaw changes, and equity share cost. You can also provide community leadership by running for the board or serving on committees. Or just stay in the loop with the quarterly newsletter.
Support Local – Support our local economy and producers by investing in a hardware and grocery store owned by the community, for the community. If you prefer to shop at local businesses — restaurants, bookstores, food co-ops — then Plainfield Co-op is an excellent choice for your hardware needs, while also creating a thriving, resilient local economy.
$180 share price for lifetime membership. Pay in full or make annual payments as low as $20. Join today! Any staff member can sign you up at the register.