City Stores

Let's build non-profit City Stores – Lower grocery prices

1. Let's establish three City Stores evenly distributed in Reykjavík – Lower grocery prices

Grocery prices have risen uncontrollably in recent years and have thus been a significant detriment to households during the cost of living crisis. Large companies in the grocery market have reported record profits of many billions each year. This excessive profit comes from the public who pay more for all goods today than ever before. This is a greed bubble, not a reaction to inflation. City Stores shall be built in at least three locations, evenly distributed across Reykjavík. For example, near the student housing in Vesturbær and surrounding neighborhoods where there is a lack of grocery stores, centrally located near or in Skeifan for the large residential areas to the north and south, and in Breiðholt, the city's most populous district.

2. The cost is negligible – the benefit is enormous

The emergence of Prís has already shown great opportunities in the low-price market and that considerable room for price reductions is possible, even more so if there is no profit requirement. Reykjavík City's operating surplus last year amounted to over 10 billion króna. Therefore, dedicating a fraction of that amount to directly lower the cost of living for residents through non-profit City Stores is a low price tag compared to the societal benefit. The benefit for households from a reduced cost of living is invaluable, and without a profit motive, low prices and a diverse selection can be ensured.

3. Explore cooperation with the labor movement for distributed ownership

Cooperation with trade unions for such a project can be explored to further distribute the cost. It is also a matter of ensuring distributed ownership so that it is difficult for special interest groups to shut them down or sell them with a single stroke of a pen.

4. The project is sustainable and the cost of living significantly decreases

In the long run, the project will be self-sustaining, as the focus will be on no profit requirement, and thus all revenue will go towards making the operation sustainable. At the same time, residents will enjoy a cheaper cost of living and greatly increased quality of life that comes with it.