These are exciting times for Arcola Co-op. In June, it acquired Arcola Building Supplies Ltd., and it recently added a liquor section to the Gas Bar as part of a broader facility makeover.
Something that hasn’t changed amidst the business’s growth, however, is its commitment to a welcoming, customer-centred shopping experience.
“The main thing that we want to always convey to our customers is that you’re going to have a personalized experience,” says Matthew Almey, general manager of Arcola Co-op. “You’re going to receive a friendly greeting, and you’ll notice the smiles and laughter of people enjoying the workplace.”
And the smell of the Co-op’s famous chicken, of course. “We are legendary for it,” states Almey. “Our hot chicken program is huge.”
It’s also just one of the many offerings at a growing business that Almey describes as an “all-encompassing one-stop shop.” He points out that, with everything the Co-op offers, a customer can fill up their tank of gas, grab some hot chicken from the deli, pick up a cooler for the weekend and head up to nearby Kenosee, just 40 km. northeast.
An ownership cooperative, Arcola Co-op serves not only its immediate community but also the southeast Saskatchewan towns of Caryle, Kisbey, Lampman and Alameda.
“We have customers from throughout the southeast,” says Almey. “They’re all important to us, and we provide our great customer experience no matter where they’re from.”
The most noticeable addition to that experience is the Home Centre, formerly Arcola Building Supplies. Previously owned and operated by Harry and Debra Laurent, the business moved seamlessly into the Co-op orbit thanks to shared values and a passion for the local community.
“There had been previous conversations about keeping Arcola Building Supplies locally-owned, and with Co-op being a long-time employer in the area it seemed to work well for both our business models,” Almey explains.
The timing worked well, too, as the Laurents were looking to exit the industry at the same time that Co-op was looking to expand. As a result, customers in Arcola and throughout the southeast can get their home, farm and building supplies from the Co-op and benefit further from the company’s success.
“Being a member of the Co-op is actually being a shareholder in the cooperative that you’re a part of,” says Almey. “Our profits go back to our members, through patronage allocations and cash repayments. Basically, the profit from the goods and services you buy is directed back to the community and to yourself.”
With the extra space afforded by the Home Centre, Almey and his staff have taken the opportunity to reorganize product allocations. Hardware and ag supplies have been moved from the Gas Bar to the new facility, and the freed up space has allowed for a temporary liquor section that will be renovated in the coming months. Almey says the Co-op’s extended hours, especially on weekends, means customers will be well-served by its liquor offerings.
More and diverse products also create additional resources to go back into the community – something in which Almey and Arcola Co-op take considerable pride.
“We invest a lot in the communities we serve, whether through seating upgrades at Prairie Place or the Carlyle Community Complex,” he says. “We donate roughly $30,000 to $35,000 each year.”
Almey also points out that the Co-op continues, as it has for decades, to provide local young people with the opportunity for their first employment and long-time community members with volunteer opportunities. These are just some examples of what he says are meaningful options for connecting with the community.
“We’ve got a lot going on,” he adds. “We’d like to encourage people to come by and take a look at the changes, or just to say ‘hi’ and see some friendly faces.”
The Arcola Co-op cardlock is operational 24/7, and the Gas Bar is open daily from 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., with the liquor section available after 8:00 a.m. The Home Centre is now open Monday to Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., and on Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. It can be reached by calling (306) 455-2393, and additional information, including flyers, can be found on its website.
