The concept of a Co-op is that it is user owned and user-controlled for user benefit. There are many types of co-ops in the world. Examples are marketing or producer co-ops; housing co-ops and consumer co-ops. The Yellowknife Co-op is a consumer co-op. Consumer co-ops have the mandate to acquire the products and services required by their members at the lowest possible cost with the highest possible quality. These co-ops can operate in three different ways; as buying clubs where products and services are obtained by the co-op only when the members place an order; as retail stores where the members come in to shop; and as service providers where members order the service, such as cable television, Internet access, insurance, water or natural gas. As a member-owner of the Yellowknife Co-op, you become one of the owners of a responsive and growing member-run retail organization which serves you by providing a full range of groceries, household supplies, gasoline, and other services.