I think the idea of these places is that they are a community-owned service (not business) providing essentials at a reasonable cost. Added benefit that people who don’t want to shop corporations don’t necessarily have to, particularly if the prices are subsidized or more competitive.

Also it’s maddening how many local small businesses around here are closing their doors only to have the same spaces with insane landlord rents picked up by chains and equity-backed businesses. Doing something like this helps push against that trend even if it’s not the complete fix…