Winter Co-op History

We have proudly been serving our patrons and the visitors to our area since 1928. The goal of WINTER CO-OP STORE is to grow the proud heritage that was started in 1928. We will continually strive to exceed all past accomplishments while continuing to offer our patrons the best products and service available in our local area.

In 1928, a group of area farmers banded together and sold shares for $10 each and acquired the old creamery on Highway 70 just east of Winter and formed the Winter Co-op. The Winter Co-op creamery purchased milk from area farmers based on weight and butterfat content of the milk. The Co-op sold feed and seed to the local farmers. Later on they added groceries and cloths making the Co-op a more complete store. In 1954 the Co-op made a decision to discontinue the creamery and acquire the Fair Store on Highway W. (Main Street where the Winter Co-op is located today). The Fair Store was a complete line groceries store. Since that time that Winter Co-op has gone through two major expansions. The first was in 1990 and the second one was in 1996, making Winter Co-op the premier shopping center it is today (19,000 sq. feet). This premier shopping center serves the grocery and hardware needs of area residents, vacationers and the many tourists that visit our community.

The Winter Coop is owned by the patrons. All store profits are returned to the patrons each year. The profits are returned at 20% cash and 80% retained shares which are distributed to the patron at age 80 or to heirs upon the patron’s death. Occasionally (cash reserves permitting) the Co-op will purchase outstanding share increasing the value of the store to its patrons.

The goal of Winter Co-op Store is to grow the proud heritage that was started in 1928. We will continually strive to exceed all past accomplishments while continuing to offer our patrons the best products and service available in our local area.