ARCF assists member-owned stores to grow stronger, smarter, and more sustainable. From hands-on operational support to long-range planning, we provide the expertise and resources your co-op needs to thrive in today’s competitive retail landscape.
Our Members give in excess of $1,000,000 annually to charitable organizations in Atlantic Canada.
If sales are slipping or morale is low, we can step in with a practical, store-specific turnaround plan. Our team conducts an in-depth assessment, pinpoints bottlenecks, and works alongside staff to improve inventory flow, customer experience, and financial controls.
Finding the right leader shouldn’t feel like guesswork. We can assist with the entire hiring journey—posting, screening, and interviewing, so you meet only the best-fit candidates. Once on board, new managers receive customized training in operations, merchandising, HR, and co-operative values. The result? Confident managers who hit the ground running and keep your store and your community growing.
Strong co-ops start with strong boards. Through interactive workshops and toolkits, we clarify directors’ roles, ethical decision-making, risk oversight, and compliance duties. Board members leave with clear guidelines and confidence to lead with transparency and vision.
Where will your co-op be in five years? Together, we map a clear path. Using market data and member input, we help you set bold yet attainable goals, identify key priorities, and outline actionable steps. Your team walks away united, focused, and ready to execute.
Take the guesswork out of your numbers. We create rolling forecasts, break-even analyses, and “what-if” scenarios that reveal the true impact of pricing, wages, and capital projects. With easy-to-read dashboards and quarterly check-ins, your board can make decisions backed by solid data, not gut feel.
Outdated bylaws can stall progress. We review your governing documents against current legislation and co-op best practices, then draft clear, modern policies that reflect your values and protect your members. The process is seamless, and the payoff is lasting accountability and clarity.
From job descriptions to performance reviews, we streamline HR so you can focus on serving members. Our support covers recruitment, onboarding, policy development, conflict resolution, and compliance, ensuring a fair, inclusive workplace that attracts and retains top talent.
Need advice outside the box? Whether you’re exploring e-commerce, planning a store expansion, or launching a member engagement campaign, our consultants bring decades of retail co-op experience to the table. We scope the challenge, present evidence-based solutions, and stay with you through implementation.
ARCF believes in giving back. We offer sponsorships for community events, youth programs, and local initiatives that align with co-operative principles. By partnering with us, your co-op can amplify its community impact while deepening member loyalty.
