Inspired by cooperative markets around the world, Gomo Coop arrives in São Paulo. Located at 172 Santa Isabel Street in the Vila Buarque neighborhood, the consumer cooperative is unprecedented in Latin America.
Without a traditional hierarchy, job positions are horizontal and decisions are made collectively. All cooperative members can be owners, from workers to customers.
The idea stems from the union of people who want to encourage more sustainable consumption and seek to promote quality food and community solidarity. Currently, Gomo Coop has about 700 members and is open to anyone who wants to be part of the community.
How Gomo Coop works
Anyone can participate, just buy a share worth 100 reais to become an owner of a portion of the cooperative and contribute by providing 3 hours per month to help with market tasks.
You can organize inventory, operate the cash register, clean the environment, work in the office, handle administrative issues, or perform any other function that contributes to the operation. The organization is non-profit, so profits are invested in the store or in the form of product discounts.
Gomo Coop is similar to small markets, focusing on organic and agroecological products and basic consumer items. Priority is given to small producers, with shelf space given to companies that are not yet able to supply goods to large chains.
The proposal aims to offer more affordable prices compared to traditional markets, especially for organic products. In the first few months, the operation will work with two prices: cooperative members pay less and those who are not yet members pay a higher price. The intention is to gain more and more popular support so that the business can continue to grow.
Impacts on the market and the community
By investing in small producers and socio-biodiversity, it follows the principles of solidarity economy and agroecology. The business model shortens long and complex product distribution chains, creating a direct link between the producer and the endconsumer .
It brings a new perspective on working relationships, based on participation and support, as well as presenting a new form of volunteering.
There is no talk of expansion plans yet. Gomo Coop seeks to consolidate its position at its current location and grow in the local community, but there is a common desire to inspire new units of the model throughout Brazil.