4 steps to successfully create a participatory grocery store

1. Gather accomplices

Have you always dreamed of playing merchant? Find at least two other people who are motivated to make the project a reality. You will form the first board of directors of the 1901 law association to be created.

Open an account on the monepi.fr website (read box at end of article). It will give you free access to a grocery management platform and the necessary documents: status model, agreement for the provision of premises, etc.

2. Find premises and suppliers

Study together the characteristics of the area that interests you (frequency, need for shops, etc.), then start looking for premises: you can contact the town hall, an individual or a trader with whom you can set up a “grocery store corner” for a few hours per week.

Then approach local producers to offer to become your suppliers. A list is available on monepi.fr Purchasing in large quantities and selling without margin allows the “epis” to offer advantageous prices.

3. Motivate 50 families

Communicate about the project in your neighborhood, your business or your school. Use word of mouth and associations. Each new member will give approximately two hours per month to run the grocery store and take care of orders. He may also get involved in the board of directors or in one of the groups responsible for a particular mission: products, communication. A grocery store can open from 50 member households. The contribution is 50 euros. The sum will be used to cover expenses: insurance, internet, water and electricity, etc.

4. Place your first orders

You are about to sell carrots, preserves or sausages… But first, you will need to bring together DIY members to install shelves, crates, a table, a computer and a labeling system in the room. The first orders can finally be placed via the monepi.fr platform, thanks to the amounts deposited by members. Different purchasing methods are possible, such as pre-orders for fresh products or stocking up locally for dry products. When your new “ear” is working well, you will be able to offer meetings, workshops or a coffee corner!