One Year Anniversary Ribbon Cutting at Cascadilla St.

Opening its doors on May 6, 2020, shortly after the onset of the coronavirus pandemic, GreenStar was unable to host private tour events, a grand opening, or offer the full extent of its new store features as it strictly observed health and safety recommendations to avoid crowding and reduce potential risks. The co-op held a small ribbon cutting ceremony on Thursday, May 6 in honor of the anniversary. The ceremony can be viewed on GreenStar’s YouTube channel here.

“GreenStar is a staple in Ithaca, and in so many ways, reflects the very essence of the community,” said Chamber President Jennifer Tavares. “We are so proud to support GreensStar’s expansion in Ithaca, and help celebrate their one-year anniversary at their fantastic new location.”

GreenStar’s Council President, Marilyn Chase and General Manager, Brandon Kane acknowledged shoppers, staff, and community for supporting the cooperative business.

“I want to thank the staff who made it possible for this relocation to happen and our more than 12,000 member-owners, because if they didn’t exist, we wouldn’t exist,” said Chase.

“In appreciation of our members who have sustained GreenStar through this incredibly challenging year and to encourage more shoppers in Ithaca and surrounding communities to explore and join the co-op, we are thrilled to celebrate one year at Cascadilla St. and thank our shoppers with these great promotions,” Kane said. “In spite of many challenges, to celebrate one year is certainly a testimony to our community’s deep commitment to GreenStar’s success.”

GreenStar’s Cascadilla St. store, supported with $2 million in investments from more than 250 GreenStar members, is a 30,000 sq. ft. building located in the new city waterfront Market District, houses retail operations, administrative offices, and an expansive kitchen and bakery. The store’s electricity for its eating system and refrigeration equipment is entirely derived from solar power sourced through local solar farms. A truly unique building inside and out, it was recognized in December with the Susan Blumenthal Pride of Ownership Award for its enhancement of the appearance of the local neighborhood.

“After an initial spike in food shopping in March, the pandemic undoubtedly altered people’s typical shopping habits. There was a new fear of possible virus transmission in public settings, our local schools and colleges closed, unemployment increased and commuter traffic decreased. Tourism was at a standstill for the year. Like most stores, we weren’t getting the foot traffic we needed,” Kane explained. “We had to adapt quickly. We immediately expanded our operations with Instacart to make grocery delivery and curbside pickup available, creating a new way to shop GreenStar. Unfortunately, we also had to make really difficult decisions – temporarily closing our DeWitt store as well as our new deli and implementing furloughs and layoffs. As hard as the year has been, there is a great deal for which we can be proud of and grateful.”

An asset for its support of local farmers and producers, local products comprise more than 25% of GreenStar sales. Kane also notes that the co-op made significant effort over the year to eliminate barriers that have prevented accessibility in the past by substantially expanding its product lines and substantially reducing prices co-op wide. Additionally, GreenStar offers a 13% discount to those who are income eligible; unemployment was added as a qualifier last year. GreenStar provided approximately 700 FLOWER members with more than $120,000 in discounts in the last year.

“The evidence of our co-op’s collective impact is overwhelming. Consider what GreenStar has been able to achieve through this relocation,” Kane said. “GreenStar is the largest private sector Living Wage employer in Tompkins County, providing over 200 community members with a wage and benefits package that delivers the dignity in pay that our nation’s essential workers deserve.”