sustainable and collective supermarket
Polykultur is a community in the making. A group of ecology-minded Stockholmers who want consumption to contribute to sustainable and just societies and therefore launching a unique supermarket. It will sell biodynamic, seasonal, local and fair products only. But what makes it truly special is its participatory aspect. Here consumers co-owned and co-run the store.
That’s in complete contrast to today’s oligopolistic supermarkets dominated by a handful of actors. In fact, just 3 corporations control about 90% of Swedish supermarkets. Not thirty. Three! That needs to change. By curating a collective pantry, we offer an alternative for those who are willing to put their money where their mouth is and get their hands dirty in the pursuit of a better food system. Literally!
A collective pantry
Here each member buys at least one share of 1,000 SEK. No further annual fees nor complicated discount system. This is a one-off, refundable investment (though we doubt you will want to leave any time soon!). Financing the store ourselves will cover the initial set up costs, rent deposit, furniture and other equipment. No loans. No interests. This financial independence is our first key to keeping prices low, which everyone can enjoy all year round.
Additionally, once a month, everyone gets to be cashiers, fromagers, stockers, and occasionally, even farmers. Together, we’ll not only physically man the shop, we’ll also influence its strategic direction as well as handpick its assortment of food and household / beauty products. Volunteering our time is our second key to low prices. 20% cheaper than most organic stores, in fact.
Transparency at its best
What we won’t spend time doing is reading labels and small prints because we’ll know that our affordable prices do not come at the expense of quality, people and nature. Polykultur, its operations, and groceries will be:
- asecologicalas possible
- asfairas possible
- aslocalas possible
- asseasonalas possible
- asartisanalas possible
- asbulkas possible
- asenvironmentally-friendlyas possible
- asaffordableas possible
- astransparentas possible
- asparticipatoryas possible
Imminent opening and accessible location
Our goal is to give greater access to sustainable groceries not only to those living in the inner city but the greater Stockholm area as a whole, suburbs included. We are already on the hunt for not one but two suitable venues: one in Liljeholmen and one in Gullmarsplan (drop us a line if you know of a place: info@polykultur.se).
We’ll open the first store as soon as we find the first venue and reach 300 members. Hopefully this fall already.
Do you share our values? Does the idea of spending a summer morning picking organic strawberries put a smile on your face?