Mountain People's Co-operative started out as a food buying club in the 1970's and was incorporated in the state of West Virginia in July of 1977. The storefront started out on Beechhurst St. and was later moved to the present location at 1400 University Ave. In the 1980's the co-op grew and went through many changes, especially transitions in staff. It was a time of learning and experimentation for this new business. By the end of the 80's some hard lessons were learned and the co-op was in grave financial shape. An appeal was made to the members and the community as to whether the co-op should continue business by going through a reorganization, or close its doors and sell off its few assets to pay it's debts. The decision was made by the membership in a November 1990 meeting to go through the lengthy and uncertain process of Chapter 11, bankruptcy reorganzation. A local lawyer volunteered to do the work pro-bono, and the co-op was on it's way to a new beginning in the 90's. Those years were a challenge, but the membership and the community showed their incredible support of the store and its values through loyal shopping and spreading of the word of the co-op to friends. The membership and shoppers increased and the store was back on stable ground by the mid 90's. After five years of monthly payments to vendors and federal and state tax authorities, our last bankruptcy payment was made in February 1997. The co-op showed its appreciation with a Community Celebration in September of that year. It was well recieved and is becoming a bi-annual event for the co-op. So the future is bright for Mountain People's Market Co-op! Sales have been growing steadily since 1993 with a 12% increase between 1996 and 1997. A consistent staff throughout the 1990's has proved to be an incredible asset. The addition of the full scale deli in 1991 has enhanced the co-op's clientele to include everyone from students and families to local business people. Support your local co-op!!!