Our History

Since 1981, Yellowknife Co-op has been proud to serve members in Yellowknife. From our origins as a volunteer-run location serving 36 families, we have grown into a workforce over 175 people strong, providing food and fuel to over 8000 members. We continue the tradition of giving back to our community, not only in the form of patronage refunds to our members but also in the form of financial support to many community organizations.
________________________________________
1981-1987 - Humble Beginnings
Yellowknife Co-op first opened in downtown Yellowknife in 1981, serving 36 families. Our first members volunteered to run the business, responsible for stocking shelves and taking a turn at the tills! The store expanded in 1982 on the current site at Old Airport Road to a 4,800 square foot building. There were 120 member families. In the spring of 1985, because of space constraints, a waiting list was established. At the time, there were 400 families using the Co-op. In 1986, the building was expanded to 9,600 square feet. Membership had reached 800, and a waiting list was again started. The gas bar with 6 pumps and a 400 square foot kiosk was opened in the spring of 1987. Membership increased to 900.
________________________________________
1992-2002 - Rapid Growth
Another expansion took place in 1992 to increase the size of the store to 34,000 sq ft. More pumps were added to the gas bar to bring the total up to eight pumps, including a key lock service. Diesel fuel was added. The store was renovated in 1997 with a change to gondola shelving, tiled floors, an expanded produce section, and the check out counters were moved. The store underwent other changes in the 2000s to make for greater efficiencies, flexibility, and members' shopping convenience. Membership at the end of 1999 was 1,700 and by the end of 2000 had grown to 2,000. By December 31, 2002, membership was at 3,470.
________________________________________
2004-2010 - Striving to Offer You More!
The latest expansion was completed in March 2004. The floor space increased to 55,000 square feet with all departments expanding their areas. The produce department offers an extensive range of fruit and vegetables as well as many organic varieties. The grocery and dairy departments with their expanded aisles carry Co-op and national brand names, and a huge selection of organic, ethnic, and specialty products. The meat department, as well as providing members with the best meat in Yellowknife, also produces its own in-store smoked meat. Varieties include smoked sausages, smokies, jerkies, fish and a number of products made with bison. The selection is always expanding. Fresh crab and lobster are also available. The full-service deli department carries a wide variety of cheeses, meats, and ready-made dinners. The Co-op bakery is known all over Yellowknife for its great cakes, sweet treats, and selection of unique breads. There is a kid's area with toys, videos, and books, juice and cookies, and a member coffee area with seating. With 11 tills, there are no long waits to check out. The Corporate Sales department serves out-of-town members, local businesses, mining and exploration camps. Food tasting and demos are held every weekend. There are over 130 persons employed at the Yellowknife Co-op, and of these, over 70% are full-time employees. The expansion also included the construction of a state-of-the-art gas bar and convenience store. The new facility has 12 pumps with three grades of fuel, plus diesel. The convenience store, at 1,785 sq ft has a full range of convenience store groceries and snacks.
________________________________________
2010-2020 - Upgrades and Renovations
Upgrades and renovations continued as the Co-op’s membership and sales surged. Upgraded, environmentally efficient LED lighting replaced fixtures throughout the retail floor, providing a better, brighter shopping experience and helped the Co-op to reduce operating costs. Once the lighting project was completed, we began a series of interior renovations, including new paint, murals, and signage throughout the interior and exterior of the store. The interior renovations included a redesign of our bakery, floral, and grocery departments. This project increased the useable retail space in the store for a large floral display. These renovations included a new display case in the bakery, a new home for floral at the entrance of the Co-op and better sightlines and a brighter, more open feel to the store. Throughout these upgrades and renovations, the Yellowknife Co-op has continued to grow; in 2019 two major projects were completed: the addition of a hydroponic greenhouse and the construction of our first in-store Pharmacy. With the on-site hydroponic greenhouse, the Yellowknife Co-op has become one of the few retail grocery stores in the world that grows its own leafy greens for sale. The Yellowknife Co-op now offers 8 varieties of locally, organically, on-site grown leafy greens for sale every week! In addition to the new Hydroponic greenhouse, the Yellowknife Co-op also completed construction of a 1000 sq. ft. Pharmacy. Located in the centre of the store, this new Pharmacy has allowed our members to both build additional equity (through Pharmacy purchases) and save time by picking up a prescription while grocery shopping. In 2019 the Yellowknife Co-op also completed an exterior renovation and a complete overhaul of our Gas Bar and C-store, including new pay at the pump dispensers and a propane dispensing system!
________________________________________
2020-2023 - Navigating Challenges
In response to the challenges posed by the global Covid-19 pandemic, Yellowknife Co-op took proactive steps to support the local economy. Recognizing the impact on small businesses during shutdowns, we intensified our efforts to increase the availability of products from entrepreneurs right here in Yellowknife. This initiative aimed to provide a lifeline to local businesses, helping them weather the economic uncertainties brought about by the pandemic. As the world faced unprecedented circumstances, Yellowknife Co-op remained committed to serving its members and community. The removal of the $1 weekly fee and the 2% upcharge facilitated an influx of new families, catapulting our membership to over 8000 households. In 2023, the NWT grappled with the challenges of a summer marked by widespread wildfires, leading to the evacuation of Yellowknife. Despite the adversity, Yellowknife Co-op stayed operational, ensuring the availability of essential supplies for the fire crews, military personnel, and volunteers who remained in the city. This period of crisis highlighted the resilience of our team, and the integral role Yellowknife Co-op plays in community support.
________________________________________
2023-Present - Strengthening Local Ties, Expanding Workforce, and Membership
Post-evacuation, Yellowknife Co-op has experienced robust growth. Both our workforce and membership have expanded, reaching unprecedented levels. This growth reflects the enduring support and trust of our community, reinforcing Yellowknife Co-op as a cornerstone in the lives of residents. In our ongoing commitment to local businesses, we continue to showcase an increased array of products from entrepreneurs within Yellowknife. By offering a platform for these businesses, Yellowknife Co-op not only contributes to the vibrancy of the local economy but also fosters a sense of community resilience. As we navigate the ever-changing landscape, Yellowknife Co-op remains dedicated to serving the community, adapting to evolving needs, and contributing to the prosperity and well-being of Yellowknife and its residents.