Distinctiveness
A 2009 academic study described Dublin Food Co-op as "distinctive on the Irish scene" because of its organisational structure. It is one of only two Irish wholefood retailers run on co-operative principles and the only one to take the form of a consumers' co-operative - the other, the Quay Co-operative in Cork, is organised as a workers' co-operative. Dublin Food Co-op is thus unique in being owned and controlled by its member consumers who each hold a share and determine policy through annual meetings and other democratic mechanisms.
The study also argued that the Co-op "has a different pricing structure to conventional businesses, only adding the margin needed to cover its operating expenses". This has, however, been questioned in recent criticism.
Read more about this topic: Dublin Food Co-op