About Our Co-Op

Willy Street Co-op is different than other grocery stores. A co-op, or cooperative, is a company that is owned by customers who invest in the business. We are guided by the Seven Cooperative Principles. Everyone can shop at the Co-op, but Owners receive extra benefits.

Willy Street Co-op is different than other grocery stores. A co-op, or cooperative, is a company that is owned by customers who invest in the business. We are guided by the Seven Cooperative Principles. Everyone can shop at the Co-op, but Owners receive extra benefits.

The Willy Street Co-op started in 1974, when a group of people wanted to provide quality food for their families. They began the Co-op in order to find and sell fresh, local, organic, and natural foods.

Over the years, the Co-op has grown to serve many Owners from many different locations. We have expanded to offer more products, we opened a production kitchen and we have three stores. Willy East and Willy North are in Madison, and Willy West is in Middleton.

As an Owner, when you purchase food and products you invest in a business you own. You support local farmers, product suppliers, and staff who live and work in your community.


Cooperation Among Co-ops

Co-op Principle Six is Cooperation Among Cooperatives. Cooperatives serve their Owners most effectively and strengthen the cooperative movement by working together through local, regional, national and international structures. You are more successful when you cooperate with others who know how to cooperate.

Willy Street Co-op participates in a lot of cooperative efforts locally, regionally, and nationally. Below is a list of resources for cooperatives and cooperatives where we are members. Click here to see a directory for all the Co-ops in the state of Wisconsin.




Charitable Giving

Cooperative Principle #7 is Concern for the Community. While focusing on Owner needs, cooperatives work for the sustainable development of their communities through policies accepted by their Owners. You can do something for the community even as you keep succeeding. Your Co-op participates in community efforts in a variety of ways.




Employment

Welcome to the Willy Street Co-op! As a community-owned cooperative with 3 retail locations, we’ve served the Madison area since the 1970s. We’re mission-driven and believe in being economically and environmentally sustainable, providing fairly priced goods and services while also supporting local and organic suppliers, and being an employer of choice in Madison. We have five locations: three retail stores, a production kitchen, and an administrative office.

Compensation

Our entry-level wage starts at $13.80 an hour, and we have an awesome benefit plan! Employees who meet minimum hours requirements receive a 20% store discount, health and dental insurance, paid time off, 401(k) and more!

Job Openings

Please click on one of the job titles below to read about and apply for our open positions. Once we receive your application, a hiring manager may contact you for a phone interview, however we receive a large number of applications, and not all candidates will be interviewed. Resume and cover letter only required for management positions. If you experience any difficulties while completing your application please email hr-staff@willystreet.coop with a detailed explanation of the problem, and we will get back to you right away.

EOE/Affirmative Action Employer



Co-OP Governance

Willy Street Co-op is owned by more than 34,000 active Owners, governed by a Board of Directors, and operated by a paid staff. Owners have always been the backbone of the Co-op, supporting it financially and participating in governance.

Board of Directors | Committee Descriptions | Bylaws | Global Ends Policy