Start for First Participatory Supermarket in Vienna

The concept of the participatory supermarket has already been tested on a smaller scale, and now the company MILA has decided to open a full-fledged supermarket. On an area of 350 square meters, around 2,500 different products will be offered in the future, which are not only affordable but also transparent, as reported by ORF.

Affordable and Transparent: New Participatory Supermarket Opens in Vienna-Meidling

"We do not focus on profit maximization, but on transparency, lower prices, and joint commitment," explains the cooperative in a press release.

The cooperative share is socially tiered: The one-time regular share is 180 euros. People with lower financial means can, however, acquire a social share for only 20 euros. Members with higher incomes are even encouraged to take on additional shares to strengthen the cooperative's equity. These shares are refunded upon exit.

Operation Aims to Largely Do Without Conventional Profit Margins

The participatory supermarket currently has around 1,000 members, each of whom works a mandatory three-hour shift every four weeks. These shifts can be completed at the checkout, in the warehouse, or by stocking the shelves. This commitment is intended to allow the operation to run without traditional profit margins. Additionally, members can designate another person who is also allowed to shop at the supermarket.

Trial Shopping for Interested Parties

The management emphasizes that the majority of available products are produced organically, regionally, and with minimal packaging. Ultimately, the members or their designated "shopping representatives" decide which products are included in the range. Co-manager Julianna Fehlinger highlights: "What matters is the collaboration and the idea that good food should be affordable for everyone." Interested parties can also come by for a trial shopping experience.

Experiences from Other Cities

In other European cities like Berlin or Paris, participatory supermarkets are already established. Experience shows that the number of members is crucial for the success of the project. Currently, at "Mila," it is noticeable that the 1,000 members are not yet sufficient to fully finance the business. Thus, the cooperative relies on lenders and donations, especially to economically support the establishment of the supermarket.

(Red)

This article has been automatically translated, read the original article here.