FAQ Index

• Why are Mississippi Market and River Market proposing a merger?

• Why now?

• Is my co-op being acquired?

• Will my co-op lose its identity?

• Will store names, staff or products change?

• How will this affect prices?

• Will we still support local farmers and producers?

• What happens to member benefits?

• Are we becoming more like a corporate grocery chain?

• Will there be staff layoffs because of this merger?

• Who wrote the merger proposal?

• Why are members just learning about the merger proposal now?

• How long has this been planned?

• Who makes the final decision?

• How can I learn more before I vote?

• When and how do I vote?

• If the proposal is approved, what happens next?

• If the vote fails, what happens?

• What if I’m already a member of both co-ops?

Why are Mississippi Market and River Market proposing a merger?

By joining together, we can do more of what matters. The merger will help us create better sourcing efficiencies, maintain competitive pricing and keep investing in our staff and our communities 

Why now?

Both co-ops are strong today, and that’s exactly why now is the right time. By unifying now, we gain more control, build resilience, strengthen our foundation and create greater opportunity in a constantly evolving grocery industry.

Is my co-op being acquired?

No. Mississippi Market and River Market are both financially stable, operate similarly sized stores and are independently strong. That’s what makes this opportunity possible. The boards of both co-ops have worked together to shape this proposal and unanimously support the merger. 

Will my co-op lose its identity?

No. Each co-op will continue to reflect the culture, people and values of the community it serves. Each store will retain its store-level autonomy, identity and staff. This is about shared strength – not sameness.

Will store names, staff or products change?

Not as part of the merger proposal. During this transition, store names will remain the same. If any future changes are considered, they will be guided by member input and community needs.

How will this affect prices?

While grocery pricing is always changing, working together helps us stay competitive. Unifying now gives us stronger buying power and creates sourcing efficiencies. This means we’ll be able to negotiate better deals, access more local products and stabilize pricing over time. We will always stay committed to fair, transparent pricing rooted in cooperative values.

Will we still support local farmers and producers?

Yes. Our commitment to local farmers and producers remains unchanged and central to who we are. In fact, we expect our shared scale to allow us to grow those relationships and our impact on the local food system. 

What happens to member benefits?

Member benefits – like ownership, voting rights and patronage – will continue, with potential to grow and evolve in ways that reflect our shared mission and values.

Are we becoming more like a corporate grocery chain?

No. We are firmly rooted in cooperative values. We are still owned by you – the member-owners – not shareholders. Decisions are made with input from our community. That won’t change. 

Will there be staff layoffs because of this merger?

No. Our staff are central to our stores and our co-op experience. One goal of unification is to offer stronger investment and support for our incredible team members.

Who wrote the merger proposal?

This proposal has been jointly drafted by, and unanimously approved by, both the Mississippi Market board of directors and the River Market board of directors. Board members are themselves member-owners who have been elected to their respective boards by their fellow co-op members. All board members are listed online at msmarket.coop/board and rivermarket.coop/board-director-profiles.

Why are members just learning about the merger proposal now?

Members are hearing about the proposal now because it’s vetted, values-aligned and ready for your consideration. The proposal has been approved by both boards – but this isn’t a done deal. This is a democratic process, and your vote will decide the outcome. We’re asking every member to learn about the proposal and cast their ballot this fall.

How long has this been planned?

This has all taken shape in just under a year. River Market and Mississippi Market have shared a close relationship for decades, and the idea of partnership arose organically as it became clear that we can achieve far more together than on our own. 

• Late last year, both boards agreed to formally explore the idea, and held the first joint board meeting in December 2024.  

• After months of thoughtful work and due diligence, the boards unanimously approved the proposal on August 4, 2025. 

• The proposal was shared with all members and staff the following week on August 12, 2025. 

• Member voting will take place September 12 – October 8, 2025 as part of each co-op’s annual election. 

Who makes the final decision?

You do. Online member voting will take place September 12 – October 8, 2025 as part of each co-op’s annual election.

How can I learn more before I vote?

Stop into your local store! We are also hosting in-person member events.

When and how do I vote?

Online member voting will take place September 12 – October 8, 2025 as part of each co-op’s annual election.

If the proposal is approved, what happens next?

For members and shoppers – it will be business-as-usual. Behind-the-scenes, though, this is when the real work begins. Our boards and leadership teams will begin planning the path forward – as always – guided by shared mission, community values and member input every step of the way. 

If the vote fails, what happens?

If members vote “no,” the merger won’t happen. Each co-op would continue operating independently. However, we believe this would be a missed opportunity to develop and strengthen the tools we need to address rising costs, staff needs and long-term planning. We believe this proposal is the best way to stay community-owned and future-ready.

What if I’m already a member of both co-ops?

When the fall elections come around, you will be able to vote in both elections. If the merger is approved, your membership will apply to both River Market and Mississippi Market. In that case, we recommend submitting an equity refund request with one of the co-ops, since you only need one membership for both.