We are so very excited to let our community know that Member Appreciation Days (MADs) have returned! They will take place every 2nd and 4th Wednesday of each month starting on March 11th.

Before 2020, MAD was a monthly celebration of our members where local farmers and food producers did demos, there were free samples all over the store and our community had the delightful opportunity to celebrate together, visit with neighbors, make new friends and connections as well as to talk with our staff.

As before, one of your two, monthly member discounts will be tied to MAD. Please read below to learn why we are excited to be bringing MAD back; so excited as a matter of fact, that going forward we will be holding MAD twice a month, not just once as we did before 2020.

Bringing Back Member Appreciation Days

Beginning in March, SoRo Market is bringing back twice-monthly Member Appreciation Days (MAD). Each and every MAD will celebrate our customers, our members, and the wonderful community in which we’ve been operating since 2001. Just as in years past (pre-2020), MAD will feature free samples, snacks and local vendor demos. We are excited to bring back this popular regular Co-op event.

To encourage MAD store visits, the Co-op is also revising the monthly two-discount usage policy. Beginning in March, members must take one of their two monthly member discounts during a MAD (2nd and 4th Wednesdays). The other discount can be taken on any day of the month (Wild Card day). Monthly discount rates (5% for blue, 15% discount for gold) and all other member benefits will remain unchanged.

Why We’re Bringing Back Member Appreciation Days

• Member Appreciation Days are about community, not just discounts. Before 2020, MADs were one of the most-loved ways members connected with the Co-op—through food, conversation, and local vendors. We’re excited to bring that back.
• This change strengthens the cooperative experience. MADs give members a shared moment: free samples, snacks, demos, and a lively store atmosphere that reflects why the co-op exists.
• It supports local producers and staff connections. Vendor demos and in-store engagement help highlight local partners while giving staff more opportunities to connect directly with members.

Why One Discount Is Now Tied to MAD?

• We want to encourage members to participate in these community days. Requiring one discount to be used during MAD helps ensure these events are well-attended and vibrant.
• Members still have flexibility. One discount remains a “Wild Card” that can be used on any day of the month—no change there.
• The value of membership hasn’t changed. Discount rates (5% Blue / 15% Gold) and all other benefits stay exactly the same.

 FAQs

• What are Member Appreciation Days (MAD)?

Member Appreciation Days are twice-monthly celebrations of our members and community, held on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays of each month. They include free samples, snacks, and local vendor demos—just like before 2020.

• When does this start?

Beginning in March, MADs will be held every month on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays.

• What’s changing about member discounts?

Starting in March, Members still receive two discounts per month, one discount must be used during a Member Appreciation Day and the second discount can be used on any day of the month (Wild Card day).

• Are discount rates changing?

No. Blue members still receive 5%, Gold members still receive 15%, all other member benefits remain unchanged.

• Why require one discount to be used on MAD?

MADs are designed to be lively, welcoming community events. Tying one discount to MAD helps encourage participation, support local vendors doing demos, and creates a more social, cooperative shopping experience

• What if I can’t shop on Wednesdays?

You still have one Wild Card discount to use any day and the option to plan ahead or shop earlier/later on MAD Wednesdays. If a member has ongoing access concerns, please bring these concerns to the meetings of the Board of Directors, every third Tuesday at 6pm in the Royalton Library.

• May I use the MAD discount on a curbside order?

No, MAD discounts may only be used in person on MAD Wednesdays.

• What if I forget to use my MAD discount?

Unused discounts do not roll over, just as before. We encourage members to mark MADs on their calendar or watch for reminders in-store and via email.

• Is this permanent?

This is a return to a long-standing, pre-2020 Co-op practice. We’ll continue listening to member feedback and adjusting as needed.

• How does this benefit the Co-op?

Builds stronger member engagement, supports local producers, creates a more vibrant in-store experience, and reinforces the cooperative values that make SoRo Market special.

Please direct questions to our general manager, Tim Perrin. If he is not available in person, email him at gm@soromarket.coop or call the store at (802) 763-2400.

We Look Forward to Celebrating with You!