"Wheatsville Co-op, an Austin-based grocery store, has been operating since 1976 under a cooperative model. Despite recording its first profitable year in the fiscal year 2019, it struggled with sales decline during the COVID-19 pandemic. The co-op has implemented various measures to cope, such as not replacing departing employees and launching a curbside program. The management urges local support to avoid difficult decisions like layoffs or cutting popular services. CEO Mark Jacob emphasizes the importance of small businesses in maintaining Austin's unique local culture." - Nina Hernandez
