OHNE
Customer
OHNE, the packaging-free supermarket that aims to make local and organic products accessible.
The question
OHNE’s request was brimming with ambition—wonderful! How can OHNE prepare for the future? How can they increase their impact and expand the number of stores? And how can every village in Flanders have an OHNE store? That’s the dream. And although the scope was broad, we were able to accomplish a great deal in a short amount of time. Thanks to their trust in our approach, we were able to make significant strides at a rapid pace and with a limited number of sessions. Afterward, we continued to serve as a sounding board for a while longer to follow up, roll out the plan, and provide advice.
The Process & the Impact
To grow, you need a solid foundation. That’s why we fine-tuned OHNE’s entire strategy, with the goal of turning OHNE into a full-fledged supermarket. They wanted to position themselves clearly and strengthen their local roots. This called for a marketing and communications strategy that was closely aligned with the underlying business strategy. Together, we further expanded the franchise cooperative behind the six existing stores and launched the customer cooperative initiative. We helped with the tactics and communication to fine-tune this fundraising effort aimed at their customers. The appeal was launched in June and was an absolute success. OHNE made a fresh start, including a capital call.
Change can sometimes present challenges, but by working together to map out the long-term direction—with all the store owners and everyone behind the cooperative—it remained manageable. It was a broad process, in which our guidance spanned everything from the revenue model to cash flow and marketing. How could they evolve? Was there a need for new stores? Should they focus on home delivery? But by formulating a strategy and a
thanks to our "non-strategy" (what we will and won't do), we were still able to take action relatively quickly.
“By making it a priority together, we used our time efficiently.”
Tips from Alexia Coppens, Founder of OHNE Coop
- Take the plunge. We've been mulling over this idea for a long time and are incredibly happy and
proud that we took the plunge. Although it required a time and financial investment
it paid for itself in no time.
- Be open and transparent. Part of the rapid success we've achieved
thanks to S&L, we’ve been able to lay our hearts on the table. Something Peter also
did provoke, by immediately asking the right questions and pressing on the sensitive
places.
- Set aside enough time. Strategic change initiatives require a lot of time, energy, and
commitment. And preferably a commitment that enjoys broad support. We are committed
the entire team and, together with S&L, emphasized the importance of everyone's
to be on board with this initiative. By making it a priority together,
we used our time efficiently
“OHNE had big ambitions, but it also took concrete action. That’s exactly how we love to work—with big dreams and tangible progress.”
Does this case appeal to you?
We'd be happy to listen to the specific needs of your organization. We'll come as a pair to listen to your request and make an initial proposal. Based on the feedback and further co-creation, we'll provide a final proposal.
