Big Changes for Lyttel Piko

This last year has been a year of immense change for all of us. Even for the very lucky shops such as ours who sustained minimal physical damage it has been a year of extraordinary challenges on several different levels. We've had many of our beloved staff move on, but have also gained some fantastic new talent. Our sales are up, but our supply chain has drastically changed. We no longer can rely on the support structure which we previously had, but we now have expanded freedom and control over how we operate. So it is due to a wide range of circumstances that Lyttel Piko is in need of restructuring.

We are currently investigating the viability of turning Lyttel Piko into a Community Owned Co-Operative. This would mean that you, the customers of Lyttel Piko would be asked to buy shares in a new Co-Operative and become its owners. This would generate much needed capital for the shop which would help to pay off previous debt and secure funding for future growth. For you, the customers, the benefits could include price breaks on selected items, bulk buying discounts, member appreciation day discounts, access to workshops and seminars, more open sharing of information, and potentially profit sharing. But more importantly – you would have a direct say in how the shop is run. All members/owners would have an equal vote on major issues and would elect a board of directors which would steer and oversee the operations of the business.

Through our initial research we have come across several successful models for Co-Operatives and need your feedback to understand what would be the best choices for us. We at Lyttel Piko want to see this shop stay in Lyttelton serving this incredible community, but we will need a lot of support to do it.

There are two ways that you can contribute right now. Firstly, fill out a survey on www.surveymonkey.com/s/XGQNQY7 (if you need the old fashioned paper version – stop by the shop and that can be arranged). This is of vital importance. It will help us understand who our customers are, how we can serve them better, and what the viability of setting up a Co-op is.

Secondly, please attend one of two public meetings on Thursday, December 1st at 10am or 7pm at the The Portal, located at 54a Oxford St in the Community Garden. This will be a great opportunity to ask questions, brainstorm solutions, and form a network of dedicated individuals who can help to make this happen. Families are welcome and there will be tea and coffee and a few nibbles from the shop.

Thank you again for all of your support over the last four years. We are excited about what the future holds for our Lyttel shop and for this great community.

By the way, 2012 has been designated the International Year of the Co-Operative. Please keep your eyes and ears open for some even bigger plans coming out of Project Lyttelton...

Organically yours,
The Lyttel Piko Team