In July 2017, Patti Floyd became the general manager of Wintergreen Natural Foods in Albert Lea at a time there was concern the cooperative would close.

Today, Floyd is helping lead the organization, which now has more than three times the inventory it had when she started in the position. 

She said she assumed the general manager role because she wanted to build the store back up and give the community the chance to continue owning and contributing.

At least six community members have contributed a total of approximately $10,000 since she became general manager.

“That’s community support,” Floyd said. “That’s people that want to see this succeed and grow. It’s people who want to have access to that … because they know they can’t go everywhere and find some of these things.

“Community — that’s the big thing we push.”

From July 1, 2017 to June 30, Wintergreen Natural Food sales were $159,000, an increase from $137,000 the previous year, Floyd said.

“We’ve also significantly increased the number of products in the store — fresh, bulk and packaged — and recently began offering fresh, cold lunch options,” she said. “While we hope to continue growing, our focus will remain on supporting our community, as we all seek healthy and environmental food options and other household products.”

She said she was motivated to rebuild the store at 1442 W. Main St. based on its unique community status.

“Being a small store — we’ve been in this location for over 40 years — so, building that back up again and making it the gem of the city that it should be,” Floyd said.

Floyd said most of the cooperative’s struggles stemmed from a lack of public understanding. “People forget that we’re here, so getting people to come in and shop was the biggest thing,” she said.

Floyd said the store has added fresh produce, cheese, vegan and drink options since she became general manager.

“It’s getting a little better,” she said. “Word’s getting out that there’s more product in the store. Things have changed. It’s not just bulk spices anymore. There’s more foods for busy moms to come in and grab something and take home for supper.”

Floyd noted the store has needed to offer some items from outside the area because of the local climate.

“We try to go with what’s seasonally available, but it’s Minnesota,” she said.

Floyd said the store has received requests for vegan options because of a lack of such products in Albert Lea.

She noted the store has a new freezer, replacing the former one that was more than 40 years old.

“It’s full,” Floyd said of the new freezer.

She sometimes entertains children who arrive with the adults so they can shop, a service Floyd noted is not found in larger, chain stores.

Anne Hoelz, a part-time Wintergreen Natural Foods employee, said the store provides needed goods for people — including her son — who have diet restrictions. She said the store offers a place to shop for holiday baking goods.

“They’ve got everything that we need,” she said.

Hoelz noted the store’s evolution from offering limited goods to being similar to a full-service grocery store.

“It’s just fantastic,” she said.

Hoelz said she appreciates the “progressive” approach Floyd has taken as general manager.

She noted she has shopped at the store since moving to Albert Lea more than 20 years ago and buys fresh fruits and vegetables from the cooperative. 

“It’s my favorite store to go to here in town,” she said. “Definitely part of my grocery store budget every time.”