After 77 years of operation, Winkler Co-op has reached a new milestone with $110 million in sales last year.

In his annual report, General Manager Evan Toews explains the momentum came from a perfect storm of stable fuel prices, a banner year for Federated Co-op and a strong commitment to the local community.

Toews explains being community-oriented is in their DNA. In 2018 they provided employment for 260 staff, donated over $300,000 to local non-profits and initiatives and sourced $1.1 million in local Southern Manitoba products. And while other retailers are cutting cashiers and pushing customers to self-checkout lines, he says Co-op continues to invest in cashiers.

"We offer service that other businesses don't... we want that personal touch when you come to shop, trying to really have the best customer service possible," Board Chair Milt Olfert says. "We really do believe with good customer service comes better sales."

Toews notes diversification also gives Winkler Co-op an edge as they continue to offer a wide range of products from oil and gas to furniture and home appliances. "The studies show the more divisions you have, the better your sales in each division... we're diversified and when people can buy one [product], they may stay and buy another."

Olfert says more young people are getting involved with their local co-op

The local consumers cooperative also added 1,000 new members in 2018, many of them young people. Olfert says the co-op model resonates with the next generation.

"For years, one of the biggest challenge was how to get the younger generation involved... that has changed," Olfert says. "We have great young staff, they give great service, and they're learning about the Co-op model."

In 2018, Winkler Co-op saw $110 million in sales, up from $98.4 million the year before. The organization also saw gross margins of $14.8 million and gave back a record $7.4 million in patronage refunds, up from almost $4 million the year before.

The amalgamation with Lowe Farm Coop also went into effect last week, bringing total members to 17,380.

Related article: Co-op Members Vote On Winkler/Lowe Farm Amalgamation https://www.pembinavalleyonline.com/local/co-op-members-vote-on-winkler-lowe-farm-amalgamation

General Manager Evan Toews

The annual general meeting took place Tuesday night at the Buhler Active Living Centre in Winkler