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Clifton Market Cooperative

A Cooperative Grocery Store In A Neighborhood That Has None.

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Clifton Market Cooperative

Clifton Market Cooperative

Clifton Market Cooperative

Clifton Market Cooperative

Clifton Market Cooperative

A Cooperative Grocery Store In A Neighborhood That Has None.

A Cooperative Grocery Store In A Neighborhood That Has None.

A Cooperative Grocery Store In A Neighborhood That Has None.

A Cooperative Grocery Store In A Neighborhood That Has None.

Charles Marxen
Charles Marxen
Charles Marxen
Charles Marxen
1 Campaign |
Cincinnati, United States
$3,805 USD 27 backers
7% of $50,000 Flexible Goal Flexible Goal



We’re developing a cooperatively owned grocery store with a focus on local and organic food at competitive prices.


 

The front and back of our T-shirts!


   

 Our canvas tote bags!                                 And our bibs!

If you would like to find out more the naming rights for our aisles, alley, shopping carts, etc.  please send an email to info@cliftonmarket.com


Clifton, a neighborhood of Cincinnati, Ohio, lost its only grocery in 2011 when Keller’s IGA closed.  Keller’s had faithfully served the community for over 70 years, serving as both a social hub to the community and an anchor to the business district. 

 The Keller’s IGA was still turning a profit in its final year, but due to issues in their second store, deferred maintenance, and unpaid taxes it was forced to close.  The store served as a social hub to the community and an anchor to the business district, but it has now been vacant for three and a half years, hurting both businesses and residents alike.

After numerous courtships with larger grocery chains, a change of ownership and promise of a new IGA, the building still sits vacant.  As a community we cannot wait anymore for someone else to fill the space. As a community we can create the grocery store that our neighborhood needs.


The Clifton Market is incorporated as a cooperative business with the State of Ohio -it will function like a traditional grocery store, but is owned by the community (and beyond).  Owner shares in Clifton Market cannot be sold via Indiegogo, but check out our website to learn more: cliftonmarket.com

The cooperative owners will vote each year for the board of directors.  The board will govern the grocery store and hire a store manager to operate and manage the store.

Our shelves will be stocked with as much local and organic products as we can source, while also stocking conventional grocery items at competitive prices.  We will have a mouth watering produce department, a full service butcher and seafood department, a Euro bakery, a deli with prepared foods and salad bar, extensive beer and wine selection, international foods as well as everyday products.


 



Truly, we need $4 million dollars - it takes a lot of money to buy, renovate, and stock a grocery store.  In the first phase we are trying to raise $1 million from the community.  $1 million is the minimum needed to secure financing for the purchase of the building.  So far, we have raised $680,000 and that number keeps rising, but we need it to accelerate.

Through this Indiegogo campaign we’re trying to raise at least $50,000, with a reach goal of $150,000.  An influx of cash at this level would be a huge boost in our efforts – and go a long way to convincing other potential donors that this project is going to succeed.  Money raised from this campaign will be used for the purchase of the 30,000 sq. ft. building.  Upon purchase, the building will then be cleaned up, built out, and reopened in the second phase of the project.

  • The return of a local, community-based grocery store. 
  • Bringing 15,000 customers weekly to the Ludlow Business District
  • Local farmers and food producers, as we plan to stock a large array of local food.
  • The preservation of an urban business district that relies on the grocery store to generate the necessary foot traffic for business.
  • Livable wages for employees.

When is the last time you were given the opportunity to help open a grocery store? Support us today!  And check out our website at cliftonmarket.com


This project is community grown.  Our board of directors is made up of dedicated community volunteers – the only benefit we stand to gain from this project is a functioning grocery store.  100% of your donations go towards opening Clifton Market.  We are dedicated to putting the groceries back into the grocery store.

We’ve already raised $680,000+ and have 885+ owners – proving both a strong community commitment to the project and trust in its leadership and overall viability.

We have a diverse team working on this project, with over 50 years of combined grocery experience and over 50 years of combined marketing experience.  Our board has members who are 5th generation Clifton residents and members across a diverse age, gender, and race groups.  We have positioned ourselves for success, and you can help.


All large undertakings come with risk - this community owned grocery being no different.  Funding is our largest hurdle.  We are confident that the store will be successful once opened (and we have an in-depth 3rd party market survey on our website that adds reassurance), but we have to buy, build out, and stock the grocery first, which represents a large investment.  Your participation in this Indiegogo campaign will help lower this financial hurdle.

If you would like to participate by volunteering or becoming a share owner, check out our website at cliftonmarket.com.  Spread the word; share our campaign and our cause with your friends on social media.  Like us on Facebook!


          Adam Hyland - President of the Board

Adam is a fourth generation resident of Clifton and currently serves  as Co Vice President for Clifton Town Meeting.  He is the founder and principal of EccaNova, strategic digital Ad brokering and political consulting.   Adam has over 15 years of experience working on land use and political campaigns in 20 different states from Township Trustees to Presidential campaigns.

          Emma Hartkemeier - Board Member

Emma is a native of Clifton, retired Kindergarten teacher and a life-long volunteer of Clifton projects.  She has been involved with the Village Garden Club, Clifton School PTA, Friends of the Cincinnati Parks, Hamilton County Curriculum Council, and Immanuel Presbyterian Church.  She appreciates that Clifton residents always have life necessities available on Ludlow Av.

          Jo Taylor - Board Member

Jo is a 15-year resident of Clifton, a retired full-charge bookkeeper and fofice manager.  Clifton was the first community she had ever lived in where walking to get her groceries was an option and she quickly fell in love with it’s many benefits.

          Shaun McCance - Board Member

Shaun moved to Clifton just six months before Keller’s closed.  He and his wife wanted to live in a friendly, walkable neighborhood when they moved to Cincinnati and immediately fell in love with Clifton.  Growing up just outside of Gary, IN, he has seen the effects of urban decay and understands how vital a business district can be to a neighborhood.  Shaun works as an open source programmer, technical writer, events planner and volunteer coordinator.

          Robert Krikorian - Board Member

Robert ‘s commitment to the Clifton Market arises from concern for Clifton and the belief that grass roots effort is the best way to solve local problems and create a positive ripple effect.  He has lived in in the Clifton area for many years and is a member of the faculty in the Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Neuroscience at the University of Cincinnati Medical Center.

          Marilyn Hyland - Board Member

is a Marketing Strategist.  She created the 6 year marketing strategy for Clifton to return the historic Esquire Theatre back to service and prevent its demolition.  Marilyn likes to be a part of a tradition of people creating their vision of their community.  Marilyn is a former board member of Clifton Town Meeting  and Vice President of the Clifton Theatre Corporation.  She owns the Marilyn Hyland Agency, an integrated marketing strategy, advertising, public relations, and government liaison company.

          Gary Goldman - Board Member

Gary is an attorney and president of Theatre Management Corporation, which operates the Esquire, Mariemont, and Kenwood movie theaters.  He was instrumental in the Clifton neighborhood’s effort to keep the Esquire from being torn down in the 80’s. 

          Charles Marxen - Field Director

Charles is a recent graduate from the University of Cincinnati's College of Engineering.  He runs the day-to-day operations of the Clifton Market project, finds and coordinates volunteers, and leads community outreach, among many other responsibilities.

         Randy Miller - Grocery Advisor

Randy brings the vision, business acumen, strategic focus and mature judgment gained during a successful career in the grocery industry. Leveraging more than 30 years of progressive experience with Kroger, biggs and Jungle Jim’s has enabled Miller to significantly impact profitability and growth objectives for these industry leaders for which he has served as a strategic partner. 

  

Updated November 1, 2014. For the latest info, visit http://cliftonmarket.com/faq

Q: Why a Co-op?

A: The co-op business model is the fastest and easiest way to raise money. Grocery co-ops source more local food, pay better wages, and put more money back into the local economy. Profits from the co-op are returned to owners in the community in the form of patronage dividends. This encourages owner loyalty because the more you shop, the more you get back.

Q: How will this store succeed when Keller’s didn’t?

A:Keller’s IGA was turning a profit even in its last year of operation, but profits were being used to support another store and the store needed renovations and modern marketing. Market analysis indicates that an uptrend grocery would bring in more money than the conventional model that Keller’s followed. Clifton Market will be an uptrend grocery.

Q: Can an independent store like Clifton Market be competitive?

A: Co-ops have exclusive distribution channels to get organic and quality foods at competitive prices. We also plan to use local products not only for quality but to reduce shipping costs. We plan to have a wide variety of products to serve all shoppers who live or work in the area.

Q: What is the status of negotiations?

A: We have a contract to purchase 319 Ludlow and are currently working on raising funds through owner loans to complete the purchase.

Q: What is the condition of the former IGA?

A: The building is considered to be “White Box” ready by commercial real-estate standards. It is structurally sound and ready for cosmetic upgrades. It has a new roof, asbestos was abated, and flooring issues have been fixed.

Q: How much will the project cost?

A: The cost of the building is $1.65 million, which will give us a clear title. We will need another $2.9 million for construction, equipment and fixtures, initial inventory, and operating expenses. The building was appraised at over $2 million, so we are getting a bargain.

Q: How will we raise the funds?

A: We are raising funds through shares and owner loans. When we secure half the financing from the community, we will approach banks and other institutions for conventional loans. Distributors have offered rebatable loans and free first inventory worth up to $500,000. We are also pursuing gifts and donations from large institutions interested in promoting the health and well being of Clifton residents.

Q: How do I buy a share?

A: Purchase online, visit us during our office hours, or download the owner share application and mail it with a check to:

Clifton Market

PO Box 20162

Cincinnati, OH 45220

Q: When will the store open?

A: Once we have purchased the building, we can set the final schedule, but we expect the store will be open for summer 2015. The sooner we raise the necessary funds, the sooner the store will open.

Q: What does uptrend and full-service mean?

A: Uptrend describes the look and feel of the grocery store - a more polished look than conventional stores (think Whole Foods and Trader Joe’s).   Full-service means that the store sells fresh fruts and vegetables, fresh meats, poultry, and sea food, dairy products, canned foods, frozen foods, dry groceries and baked goods and non-alcoholic beverages.


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Choose your Perk

featured

Clifton Market Tote and T

$50 USD
Get a Clifton Market Tote Bag and a T-shirt to really show your support! We will also write you a lovely thank you letter.
3 claimed

Hand-Written Thank You Letter

$10 USD
We'll write you a hand written note to express our sincere thanks to you.
0 claimed

Clifton Market Bib

$20 USD
We'll send the little one in your life a Clifton Market Bib to show our thanks for your support. Contribute before the 15th and get your bib before Christmas!
Estimated Shipping
December 2014
0 out of 25 of claimed

Clifton Market T-Shirt

$30 USD
We will send you an awesome T-shirt and a hand-written thank you note for your support! T-shirt design is at the bottom of the page.
3 claimed

Clifton Market Tote Bag

$30 USD
We will send you an awesome Clifton Market Tote Bag to carry your groceries in and a hand-written thank you note! Tote bag design is at the bottom of the page.
Estimated Shipping
March 2015
3 claimed

Deli Sandwich Named After You

$125 USD
When our grocery opens we will name one of our signature deli sandwiches after you! Sandwiches are guaranteed to be on the menu for at least a year. We will also send you a Tote Bag and a hand-written thank you. We will do our best to match you to a sandwich that meets your Kosher, Halal, or other preferences.
Estimated Shipping
August 2015
5 out of 6 of claimed

Deli Sandwich Named After You

$125 USD
When our grocery opens we will name one of our signature VEGETARIAN deli sandwiches after you! Sandwiches are guaranteed to be on the menu for at least a year. We will also send you a Tote Bag and a hand-written thank you.
Estimated Shipping
August 2015
1 out of 3 of claimed

Inscribed Cafe Brick or Tile

$250 USD
Have a record of your support inscribed in our cafe. It might be a brick, it might be a tile - the final design is yet to be determined. We will send you a picture of your brick and invite you to the grand opening!
Estimated Shipping
August 2015
3 claimed

Name a Shopping Cart

$500 USD
Name one of our shopping carts! Name it after yourself, your pet, your friend or whatever you choose and see it inscribed in the handle of one of our shopping carts (Clifton Market reserves the right to reject a name deemed inappropriate). We will send you a picture of your shopping cart when it is ready! You also get a tote bag, t-shirt, and a handwritten thank you note!
Estimated Shipping
August 2015
1 out of 50 of claimed

Your name on an aisle

$10,000 USD
Ever wanted your name or business on a street sign? How about having it grace the aisle of a community owned grocery store in Cincinnati? We'll name an aisle after you or your business and have it marked with conspicuous and tasteful signs for at least 3 years. We'll also give you a brick/tile and a cart to name with this package. We will invite you to our grand opening and present you with pictures of each item!
Estimated Shipping
August 2015
0 out of 10 of claimed

Name our Alley

$500,000 USD
We have a well traveled alley on this lot that connects our main road (Ludlow) to the street that accesses our parking lot. You pony up the big bucks and we'll name it after you, your business, or a chosen phrase. We will work with you to make an archway, or some other such design to grace the alley - it will even have business district frontage. You will of course get the right to name a shopping cart, brick/tile, and aisle as well.
Estimated Shipping
August 2015
0 out of 1 of claimed

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