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Updated: 22 January 2013 | 6:30 am in conversations
Would a New Pioneer Co-Op location in Cedar Rapids succeed?
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Though New Pioneer Co-op Board President Ramji Balakrishnan said Co-op members were disappointed with the City Council’s decision to choose a development on College and Gilbert Streets that does not include their store earlier this month, he said the board is now considering opening a third location somewhere else — possibly in North Liberty or Cedar Rapids.
Any decision to open a new location will depend on the results of a market analysis study and a vote from the Co-ops members, he said.
What do you think of the idea? Could a New Pioneer Co-Op location in Cedar Rapids be successful?
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Would a New Pioneer Co-Op location in Cedar Rapids succeed?
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I can’t say if it would succeed or not but I can say that we would be big supporters. The Pioneer Co-Op in Iowa City is a great place to shop.
I would shop there, for they make great bread and their fresh fruits and vegetables are the best around.
Assuming that Trader Joe’s or Whole Foods were not in store for either the North Liberty or Cedar Rapids markets, I’d say that they’d do quite well. I’d give the edge to Cedar Rapids solely for the availability -vs- demand of what the Co-Op offers. This could be a nice compliment to the NewBo City Market, especially if located at one of the open lots in that district.
I would shop there, until the point where there is not any added value. I mean when the value of their product is out weight by taxes, fees, penalties, etc, to “help the government” . I am being honest and hoping to see a familiar business come near to Marion.
I would like to see new pi in the new bo district. It would make a great addition to the farmers market there.
This was tried and failed once before beginning in August of 1988 and ending in March of 1991. Here is a good article about the rise and fall of the New Pi in CR with an analysis of why it failed. I would not be in a hurry to repeat this blunder if I were on the board.
http://www.cooperativegrocer.coop/articles/2004-01-09/making-end-it
I remember the New Pi store in Cedar Rapids. I’m sure their board members are well aware of it too. Has CR changed in the last 25 years? You only have to look at the Health Markets now in nearly every Hy-Vee store to see how Cedar Rapidians’ appetite for healthier and natural foods have evolved. Even Wal-Mart has plenty of organic offerings now. New Pi will never replace Hy-Vee and Wal-Mart but it certainly can compete in the growing health niche of the market that hadn’t quite developed in 1991. Barlow Foods were the first grocery stores in this area to have full-time dietitians on staff. It didn’t work in the 1980′s partly because they were ahead of their time. Is Cedar Rapids is ready for New Pi in 2013? We may soon find out.