BEXLEY, Ohio (WCMH) – Bexley Natural Market has been in business for nearly 50 years, and they’re asking the public for help ensuring they are around for more.

The Bexley Natural Market is a co-op grocery store focused on local and organic food and supplements. As a co-op, short for cooperative, the location has no CEO or store owner and is customer-owned or member-owned instead. Now the shop is branching out and asking for more help after rising costs, economic changes and fewer sales have made it hard for the market to operate.

The market premiered an online fundraiser called “Save Your Local Co-Operative Market,” hoping to raise $50,000 in 60 days. The co-op said it needs the money to keep the store open, support staff and procure more inventory. The request for funding also came alongside major operational changes to help balance financial difficulties.

“Every contribution, no matter the size, will help us stabilize our operations, cover essential costs, and position the market for long-term sustainability,” Chloe Lenox, representative and employee at the market, said. “The cooperative has always been a reflection of the people who support it, and this is a moment where we can come together to ensure its future.”

In an email to co-op members, the market announced it made the decision to lay off most of the co-op’s staff, saying it will operate with a “skeleton crew” and different hours as they navigate financial difficulties. It also disbanded its board of directors, who said they will continue their involvement in a volunteer capacity.  

The market, located at 508 N. Cassady Ave., clarified it is still open in a post on Tuesday. Lenox said they are not planning to close, but are facing difficult financial decisions.

“We need your help to stay that way so we are simply tapping into our close-knit community to help us through a difficult time,” the market posted on social media.

Bexley Natural Market prides itself on buying from small-scale, local, organic, non-profit and sustainable vendors, many from farms around Ohio. Their products are non-GMO, ethically sourced and ecologically grown as much as possible, according to the market. Although these items are a draw for the market, they are also often more expensive, both for the market and for customers.

“Supporting small businesses and farmers has a far greater impact than many realize, and every dollar spent locally strengthens the foundation of our community. Now more than ever, we must recognize that where we choose to spend our money shapes the future of the places we call home,” Lenox said.

Those hoping to help the co-op are asked to donate and share the fundraiser. Those unable to donate are asked to help in other ways, such as shopping at the store, sharing funding ideas with remaining shop employees and volunteering to help the store operate.