Frequently Asked Questions

What is Durham Central Market?

Durham Central Market is a new community co-operative grocery store whose purpose is to sell food and other products with a special emphasis on locally grown and produced goods.

Where are you locating?

Durham Central Market is looking to locate in the Central Park district of Durham, near downtown and the current Farmers' Market. A location committee is currently evaluating possible spaces. Our building may reuse old space or may be new construction.

When are you opening?

We would like to open in 2009. Determining a location and outfitting the store will determine the length of time needed to open.

Will anyone be able to shop at this co-op?

Yes. The store will be open to everyone. Memberships are available for purchase and carry the benefit of shaping the market through member voting.
Memberships will also allow product discounts and other privileges.

How do owner shares work?

Owner shares cost $100 per person. The owner may add adult shoppers (18 and over at the same address) for $40 per person. The $40 additional shopper fee is non-refundable.

Are you related to the Durham Food Co-op?

Durham Central Market is a separate initiative from the Durham Food Co-op. Our aim is to carry forward the torch of retail cooperative food just at the time when the Durham Food Co-op is redesigning itself.

What can I do to help?

The biggest way you can help right now is by buying a share in Durham Central Market. DCM is growing through community investment, and to do that, we need people willing to help us get it off the ground by becoming founding owners. After that, the next best thing you can do is to tell all of your friends about us, encourage them to keep up with where we're going, and possibly buy a share themselves.

That said, there's also plenty of volunteer work to be done, including helping us coordinate our ownership drives, helping with our operating infrastructure, and helping research location requirements. If you're interested, contact info@durhamcentralmarket.org, and let us know what skills you have and how you'd like to help.