A great view, off-road parking, public seating area and more retail space are all in store for the Astoria Cooperative, a community-owned organic grocery store.
The Co-Op, as it is more commonly referred, has moved to its new space at the Shark Rock Center. Previously located nearby in the Norblad Building, the Co-Op has moved to 1355 Exchange St., adjacent to Fidelity National Title.
The Co-op opened in its new location on Dec. 13 and will be leasing the building from Brian Faherty and Paul Caruana, who own the Shark Rock Center.
The space has many features that its previous location did not, including twice the retail space, now 2,200 sq. ft., and less storage space.
"We wanted to maximize the shopping space and minimize the space not generating income," Manager Matthew Stanley said.
Additionally, a public seating area with Wi-Fi Internet, eight Co-op only off-street parking spaces, and plenty of new products will accompany the move.
For the Co-op owners, the decision on whether to change locations was obvious.
"We either had to stay where we were and renovate the space and pay a higher rate, or go to a space that’s new and problem-free," Stanley said. "It was made to be a grocery store, unlike our old space."
The Co-op is owned by 620 members, with a Board of Directors that hires the manager and staff.
Among many other products, the Co-op offers locally and regionally produced foods, farm-direct foods, and preservative-free wines that are unique to the store.
For more information call (503) 325-0027 or visit www.astoriacoop.org. The store is open Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.