The concept of a Co-op is that it is user owned and user-controlled for user benefit. The Yellowknife Co-op is a consumer co-op, which has the mandate to acquire the products and services required by their members at the lowest possible cost with the highest possible quality. A member-owner of the Yellowknife Co-op is an owner of a responsive and growing member-run retail organization which serves members by providing a full range of groceries, household supplies, gasoline, and other services. The Yellowknife Co-op opened in downtown Yellowknife in 1981 serving 36 families. In 1982, the store expanded to its current site on Old Airport Road. The store underwent several expansions over the years. By 1987, membership had grown to 900 families and a gas bar was opened on the parking lot. The decision was made to expand the store, and in 2004, a 55,000 square supermarket opened it doors. At the same time,a 12 pump state-of-the-art gas bar and convenience store were built. Today, over 4500 Yellowknife families are members of the Co-op.