OHNE
The client
OHNE is a packaging-free supermarket that wants to make local, organic products accessible to everyone.
The question
OHNE came to us with a question brimming with ambition—just the way we like it. How could OHNE prepare for the future? How could it increase its impact and grow its network of shops? And, ultimately, how could every town and village in Flanders have its own OHNE shop? That was the dream.
Despite the broad scope, we achieved a great deal in a short period. OHNE’s trust in our approach allowed us to move quickly and make substantial progress in only a handful of sessions. Afterwards, we continued to act as a sounding board, helping the team monitor progress, put the plan into practice and tackle questions as they arose.
The process and its impact
Growth requires solid foundations. That is why we sharpened OHNE’s overall strategy, with the aim of developing it into a fully fledged supermarket. The team wanted to establish a clearer position and strengthen OHNE’s local roots. This called for a marketing and communications strategy closely aligned with the underlying business strategy.
Together, we further developed the franchise co-operative behind the six existing shops and launched the customer co-operative. We helped sharpen the tactics and communication for a capital-raising campaign aimed at OHNE’s customers. The campaign launched in June and proved a resounding success. OHNE embarked on a fresh start, including a successful call for capital.
Change can bring challenges. But by charting the long-term direction together—with all the shop owners and everyone involved in the co-operative—we kept the process manageable.
It was a wide-ranging assignment, with our support covering everything from the revenue model and cash flow to marketing. How should OHNE evolve? Were new shops needed? Should it invest in home delivery? By defining both a strategy and a ‘non-strategy’—what OHNE would and would not do—we were able to move into action relatively quickly.
“By making it a shared priority, we used our time effectively.”
Tips from Alexia Coppens, Founder of OHNE Coop
- Take the leap. We had been considering this idea for a long time, and we are incredibly happy and proud that we went for it. Although it required an investment of both time and money, it paid for itself in no time.
- Be open and transparent. Much of the rapid progress we made with S&L came from putting our cards on the table. Peter encouraged us to do that by asking the right questions from the outset and not shying away from sensitive issues.
- Make enough time. Strategic change requires considerable time, energy and commitment—and preferably commitment that is widely shared. We involved the entire team and, together with S&L, emphasised the importance of bringing everyone on board. By making it a shared priority, we used our time effectively.
“OHNE had bold ambitions and matched them with concrete action. **That’s exactly how we like to work: big dreams, tangible progress.”
Does this case appeal to you?
We would be happy to discuss your organisation’s specific needs. Two of our consultants will meet with you to explore your request and develop an initial proposal. Based on your feedback and further co-creation, we will then prepare a final proposal.
