Epi'Vrac - Local & Solidaire

Epi'Vrac is a cooperative that runs a grocery store.

The store operates on an open model: anyone, whether a member of the cooperative or not, can shop there. Any customer can also become a member of the cooperative, whether as a co-operator, volunteer, or simply a supporter. Co-operators and volunteers work three hours per month on a voluntary basis and, in return, can benefit from a discount currently set at 10%. It is the co-operators who, during general assemblies, set the direction for the cooperative.

The cooperative operates under shared governance. Members take on one or more roles within three teams (circles): store (day-to-day management of the grocery), outreach (search for new products, tastings, activities for members), and administration and finance (everything needed to keep things running). Each of these circles is led by a person who sits on the cooperative’s committee, ensures coherence, makes decisions on cross-cutting issues, and prepares the general assemblies.