In order to better serve a growing customer base and effectively compete with larger competitors, Bluff Country Co-op is acting on the vision to expand into the full footprint of the building, returning the 1962 building back to its original purpose — a full service grocery store. The 10,400 square foot building will have 6,100 square feet of retail area. Bluff Country Co-op will transform itself from a small, niche grocer, to an easy-to-shop, full-line grocery store, and will better serve our market. Best of all, we will be open throughout the construction process!
So where are we in the expansion process? See below:
Phase 1: Preliminary Planning/Feasibility (2012- June 2016)
- Meet with owners to discuss project
- Search for and secure the best site
- Increase organizational readiness
- Build team of experts
- Initial design work
- Develop financing plan
- Hold capital campaign
Phase 2: Project Development (July 2016- April 2017)
- Solicit feedback from owners
- Work with design build team to finalize design
- Secure city and county approvals
- Work with Store Designer to finalize store layout
- Select equipment
- Wrap up financing (secure bank loans, wrap up capital campaign)
Phase 3: Construction (We Are Here!)
- Hire and train new staff
- Select products and plan layouts
Phase 4: Celebrate Store Opening!