What Weavers Way Co-op Is

Weavers Way Co-op is a member-owned grocery store located in the Mount Airy neighborhood of Philadelphia. Unlike a traditional supermarket, it is run by and for its members — people who buy a share of ownership and shop there regularly. The co-op sells groceries, produce, bulk items, and prepared foods, with an emphasis on local and organic products.

The store operates on a cooperative model, which means members have a say in how it runs and share in any profits. You do not need to be a member to shop there, but members receive discounts and voting rights on store decisions. The co-op has been operating since 1974 and serves the Mount Airy and surrounding communities.

Key Takeaways

  • Weavers Way Co-op is a member-owned grocery store in Mount Airy, Philadelphia, where shoppers can buy a membership share to receive discounts and voting rights.
  • You can shop at Weavers Way without membership, but members pay a lower price on most items and have a voice in store operations.
  • The membership share requires an upfront payment, and members are expected to work a certain number of hours per year or pay a labor fee instead.
  • The store emphasizes local, organic, and bulk products, and members can participate in committees and decisions about what the co-op stocks and how it operates.

Membership Share and Cost

To become a member of Weavers Way, you purchase a membership share, which is your stake of ownership in the co-op. The share price varies and can change; you should contact the store directly or visit their website for the current amount. This is a one-time purchase, not a monthly fee.

When you buy a share, you own a piece of the co-op and are may have access to to vote on major decisions, such as who sits on the board of directors or how profits are distributed. If you ever leave the co-op, you can sell your share back to the store, usually at the price you paid for it.

Member Work Requirements and Labor Fees

Weavers Way members are expected to contribute labor to keep the store running. This typically means working a set number of hours per month — often around four to eight hours, though the exact requirement can vary. Members staff the registers, stock shelves, manage the bulk section, and handle other store tasks.

If you cannot or do not want to work your required hours, you can pay a labor fee instead. This fee covers the cost of hiring someone else to do the work. The amount depends on how many hours you owe and the co-op's current labor fee rate. Some members work their hours; others pay the fee; many do a combination of both.

Member Discounts and Shopping Benefits

Members receive a discount on most items at the store — typically a percentage off the register price. The discount applies to groceries, produce, bulk items, and many prepared foods. Non-members can shop at Weavers Way but pay full price.

Members also have access to special member-only sales and promotions throughout the year. The store often holds member appreciation events and may offer additional discounts during certain periods. Over time, the member discount can offset the cost of your initial share purchase.

How to Join Weavers Way

To join, visit the store in person or contact them by phone or email to ask about current membership terms. You will need to complete a membership form and pay the share price. The co-op will explain the work requirement and labor fee option so you understand what membership involves.

Once you have purchased your share, you become a member when ready and can begin shopping at the member price. You will receive information about how to log your work hours (if you choose to work) and how to pay any labor fees that come due. Many co-ops use an online system or paper logs to track member hours.

Member Participation and Governance

Beyond shopping and working, members can participate in the running of the co-op. The store holds annual meetings where members vote on the board of directors and major policy changes. Members can also join committees focused on areas like finance, product selection, or community outreach.

This level of involvement is optional — you do not have to attend meetings or join a committee to remain a member. However, many members find that participating gives them a voice in what products the store carries, how it serves the community, and how profits are used. Some co-ops reinvest profits into lower prices, higher wages for staff, or community programs.

What Weavers Way Stocks

Weavers Way emphasizes local and organic products, including fresh produce from regional farms, bulk grains and spices, natural and organic packaged goods, and prepared foods from the in-house kitchen. The store also carries conventional groceries for shoppers who want them, though the focus is on higher-quality and sustainably sourced items.

The product mix reflects member input — if members request certain items, the co-op will consider stocking them. This is one reason membership participation matters: the store's inventory is shaped by what its owners want to buy. Prices on specialty and organic items are often lower at a co-op than at conventional supermarkets because there is no corporate markup.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to work hours if I am a member?

No. You can pay a labor fee instead of working your required hours. The fee amount depends on how many hours you owe and the co-op's current rate. Many members do a mix — working some hours and paying a fee for the rest.

Can I shop at Weavers Way without being a member?

Yes. Non-members can shop at the store and buy anything on the shelves, but they pay full price instead of the member discount. Membership is optional, though the discount usually pays for itself over time if you shop regularly.

What happens to my membership share if I move away?

You can sell your share back to the co-op, typically at the price you paid for it. Contact the store to start the process. Some co-ops allow you to transfer your share to a family member or friend instead.

How often do members have to vote or attend meetings?

The co-op holds an annual meeting where members vote on the board and major decisions. Attendance is not required to remain a member, but voting is how members shape the co-op's direction. Special meetings may be called for urgent matters.

Are prices at Weavers Way higher than at a regular supermarket?

Specialty and organic items are often cheaper at a co-op than at conventional stores because there is no corporate profit margin. Conventional items may be priced similarly or slightly higher. The member discount helps offset any price difference.