Duration spanned: 1 year
Community-Owned Village Store in Wingeshausen Marks a Successful First Year
In the heart of the picturesque town of Wingeshausen, Germany, a resident-owned cooperative store has thrived for a year. The store, located on the Old Country Road, serves as a central hub for the community, providing essential goods for daily life.
The store's success is largely due to its cooperative model, which allows the residents of Wingeshausen to shop within their own town. This model has fostered a strong sense of community involvement and ensured that the store remains tailored to the residents' needs.
Helmut Kessler, the chairman of the supervisory board for the store, recently provided a first interim report about the store to Radio Siegen. According to Kessler, the store is financially stable, although it has not yet achieved full profitability. The store has managed to cover its operating costs and generate a positive cash flow, which is a promising sign for future growth.
The store offers a wide variety of goods, including fresh produce, canned goods, toiletries, cleaning supplies, bread, sausage, and meat. The store's central location in the town makes it convenient for many Wingeshausen residents, easing their lives by providing essential goods within the town.
The store's first year ended with a loss due to investments, but the business year 2024 is now behind them. As of now, the year 2025 is going well for the store. The store also houses a post office, further enhancing its role as a community centre.
The residents of Wingeshausen founded the cooperative to run the store, and their commitment to the project is evident in its success. The store's first year is considered a success in terms of community engagement and financial sustainability, with optimism for further development.
The community radio, Radio Siegen, reported on Helmut Kessler's interim report about the successful first year of the community-owned store in Wingeshausen. In addition to essential goods, the store also offers a selection of food-and-drink items, such as fresh produce, bread, sausage, and meat. Furthermore, the store has expanded its lifestyle offerings by housing a post office, making it a one-stop shop for home-and-garden necessities and more.
