Erin Shea
GM Updates — October 2024

The Merc Co+op is celebrating 50 years in grocery this fall and, and we hope you join us for the festivities coming up, which include our Board of Directors serving cake this Saturday in Lawrence and Sunday in KCK, local and Fair-Trade samples, and an open house event at the Watkins Museum of History. While looking back at the evolution of our co-op through the years, we also look ahead at the current changes underway. As we gear up for the holiday season, we’re excited to share updates on the final phases of our renovation project and the installation of our new coolers.

GM Updates — October 2024
Laura Marsh
Ready for Reusables — Plastic Bag Ban takes ...

The Lawrence plastic bag ban takes effect tomorrow. The Merc Co+op removed plastic bags from our registers in 2013, and the paper bags we provide are 60% post-consumer recycled material - in other words, it’s business as usual. We appreciate this step our Lawrence government is taking to encourage a more sustainable future!

Ready for Reusables — Plastic Bag Ban takes effect tomorrow in Lawrence
Laura Marsh
2024 Change Recipients Announcement

The Merc Co+op is excited to announce the recipients of the 2024 Change for our Community program. “Change” gives shoppers the opportunity to donate their spare change to local organizations every time they shop. Each month, a different organization is featured as the recipient, and 100% of all donations collected go to that specific organization.

In fiscal year 2022, we - as a co-op community - raised $85,484. Since the program began in January 2014, we have raised over $601,000 for 57 local nonprofits. 

2024 Change Recipients Announcement
Laura Marsh
Fairtrade Mural Coming to Lawrence Store

October is Fair Trade Month, and Fairtrade America is launching their fourth annual campaign to generate broader awareness Fairtrade certified products.  This year, The Merc Co+op’s Lawrence store was selected! Mural installation begins the week of September 11.

Fairtrade Mural Coming to Lawrence Store
Erin Shea
Back-to-School Packed Lunch Tips

Back to School Special: Pack Better Bag Lunches

New Check Stand Configuration Coming to 901 Iowa, Lawrence

New Check Stand Configuration Coming to 901 Iowa, Lawrence

In the final phase of the front end portion of our Lawrence remodel, we will replace our store’s over 20-year-old check stands. Our current technology will be mounted into new cabinetry with a longer belt. The additional space will allow shoppers to unload more groceries onto the belt to help facilitate a swifter check out experience.

In addition, our full service check out stands will be repositioned to aim south towards the exit rather than their current eastern configuration. Our self check outs will also shift to align with the exit doors. The new orientation of the check stands will maximize our sales floor space and create better traffic flow for shoppers to queue up in line. The configuration will also make room to accommodate a new floral cooler. 

MercWorks - Volunteer Stories

MercWorks - Volunteer Stories

The Merc Co+op is committed to building a community - and through the Merc Works program, owners are rewarded for their volunteer service with our non-profit partners.

It’s our way of giving back to the folks who give, and another way our co-op supports the local organizations that create meaningful, lasting impact in our community. Hear from one owner volunteering with Friends of the Kaw!

GM + Board Report - Special Meeting

GM + Board Report - Special Meeting

Plans are coming together for the biggest phase of all. This is when we will replace our refrigeration rack and resetting the store to bring you more produce, refrigerated and frozen offerings. The cost of equipment and labor has come in much higher than originally budgeted. In order to complete this phase of the project, we need to take out a loan from the bank and that is where the Board of Directors come in.