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