Few longevity threads remain since big move five months ago from longest place of continuous residence (15 years), with two remaining as consumer: (1) Amazon for 22 years spanning two accounts (single and married), and (2) food cooperative membership six months away from 20th anniversary. Proximity to the co-op was a factor in the decision to relocate from a different state and became a daily habit within first week of residence.
During checkout, the food co-op membership number (some cashiers call it “owner” number) grants a discount on total price, plus sometimes a small annual patronage dividend. Years ago, their battlegrounds were more overt, e.g., meat-eaters versus vegans. Husband remembers: “tie-die versus necktie.” It’s not surprising to sense Sanders support; Vermont has more food cooperatives than any other state [three times higher per Seth T. Young, 2014, International Journal of Undergraduate Research and Creative Activities 6 (2): 2, via Wikipedia].
With more local competition and marketing savvy, co-op coupons now show up via email, though are not targeted to purchase preferences like the mega chain stores. Not yet. Receipts are smarter with telling data stored behind each number. One member, for instance, might show low sugar habits for nearly three years straight then suddenly shift to five-month trail of cinnamon rolls, mousse chocolate cake, and French silk pie.
Rochdale Principles, version 1937:
Open membership.
Democratic control (one person, one vote).
Distribution of surplus in proportion to trade.
Payment of limited interest on capital.
Political and religious neutrality.
Cash trading (no credit extended).
Promotion of education.
Version 1966:
Open, voluntary membership.
Democratic governance.
Limited return on equity.
Surplus belongs to members.
Education of members and public in cooperative principles.
Cooperation between cooperatives.
Founded upon original 1844 by Rochdale Society of Equitable Pioneers, around half of whom were professional weavers from Rochdale and Lancashire.
Store opens offering butter, sugar, flour, oatmeal, candles,
December 21, 1844, Rochdale, England, Winter Solstice 16:23:
Venus 25° 00′ Scorpio opposite Moon 26° 18′ Taurus
Pluto 22° 00′ Rx Aries
Thursday, February 27th, local, 11:05 CST:
Moon conjunct Venus 22° 53′ Aries
Image: “Toad Lane Museum from the outside, first premises of ‘The Rochdale Pioneers’ early successful retail Co-operative, Rochdale England.” CC by 3.0 via Wikimedia