Frequently asked questions

We are open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM and Saturday from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM. We are closed on Wednesdays Sundays and public holiday.

Our large supermarket offers a full range of over 3,300 items on 350 m² of sales floor. MILA operates on the one-stop-shop principle: one store carries all groceries and everyday essentials. One checkout is all it takes to complete your shopping list.

At MILA, many products will be regional and organic, but not all: because for a number of products there is no regional or organic option, or only at prices that would exclude some of the cooperative members.

MILA will source its products from many small producers and production cooperatives, as well as from wholesalers. A good partnership with the producers is particularly important to us: fair, on equal terms, without price pressure.

There is a uniform and transparent 30 percent markup on the purchase price to maintain MILA’s infrastructure. Because MILA is not profit-driven and we save on personnel costs through the collective work of all members, the markup will likely be lower than that charged by commercial supermarkets for many products. We strive to offer our members affordable products while still paying producers fair prices.

MILA will produce less waste than conventional supermarkets thanks to more refrigerated storage and a more sustainable purchasing strategy. Products nearing their best-before date will be marked with a yellow dot on the shelf.

We avoid packaging, focus on reusable products and recycling. We are not completely plastic-free, but wherever possible we offer packaging-free options and loose goods for self-service filling.

There will be no profit distributions to members. During the initial phase, the focus will likely be on repaying the start-up financing. Ultimately, the members will decide at the general meeting what happens with any future profits: for example, reserves for potential crises, reducing markups on products, or making further investments in our supermarket.

The highest governing body of the cooperative is the General Assembly of all members. It makes the strategic and most important financial decisions. It elects the Board of Directors, which acts as the owners’ representative body for the members. The Board of Directors then appoints the management. Every member has one vote in the General Assembly – regardless of how many cooperative shares they have subscribed to. More information about the cooperative’s governing bodies .

Yes, a core group of people employed by MILA is needed, for example, the management, those in purchasing logistics, and the member office. More information about the team . 

MILA’s entrance is wheelchair accessible, and there is an accessible restroom. For those who prefer a quieter shopping experience, we offer a “Quiet Hour.” We are continuously working to make MILA even more accessible.

The cooperative share at MILA is tiered according to income: The standard share is €180, the reduced share is €20. We recommend that those with greater financial means purchase more shares. Many members are willing to do so, which is crucial for our equity capital. The cooperative share is a one-time payment and is refunded upon leaving the cooperative. Regardless of the number of shares you purchase, you have only one vote in any votes.

We are aware that not everyone can afford the regular membership fee. For those with low incomes, for example, the reduced rate of €20 offers the opportunity to participate. The decision is based on self-assessment: Each member decides for themselves whether they need a reduced rate to afford MILA membership (e.g., due to a low income). The reasons for and definition of “low income” or “low-income” can, of course, vary. As a general guideline, the at-risk-of-poverty threshold (60% of the median income) in Austria can be used. This threshold depends on household size. Further information on the at-risk-of-poverty threshold can be found on the websites of the Austrian Anti-Poverty Network and Statistics Austria. By choosing the reduced rate, I, as a member, also agree to provide proof of my low income on a case-by-case basis (e.g., in the event of a specific suspicion of misuse).

Yes, organizations can also become members – but only as investing members.

Yes, this is possible at any time.

Currently, payment is possible via SEPA direct debit and bank transfer. SEPA direct debit is one of the safest payment methods: you have the unconditional right to have the debited amount refunded to your account for eight weeks. It is also possible to make a direct bank transfer if you do not wish to set up a SEPA direct debit.

In the event of the cooperative’s insolvency, the members are liable with their cooperative shares and an additional amount equal to the value of their shares (this is the statutory “obligation to make additional contributions”). With a standard share of €180, your maximum risk is therefore €360. The risk of insolvency is minimized by the mandatory audit, which is carried out by external auditors from our auditing association, Rückenwind.

Yes! If cooperative shares are terminated, payment is made one year after the termination becomes effective (waiting period). This ensures that the total amount paid out does not exceed 15% of the maximum total nominal value of the cooperative shares at the end of the preceding financial year. Payments for further cooperative shares are deferred to the next year or subsequent years. The termination date determines the order of payment. If the share capital is partially depleted due to a balance sheet loss at that time, payment is made only in proportion to the remaining, unused share capital. If the cooperative’s equity is negative at that time (Section 225 Paragraph 1 of the Austrian Commercial Code), payment is made only when the cooperative’s equity is positive again.

Yes, you have the right to withdraw your membership within 14 days without giving any reason. The deadline is 14 days from the date you receive confirmation of your subscription from the cooperative’s board of directors.

MILA became a cooperative in February 2023! This is the legal structure for the development and operation of our MILA participatory supermarket. During the preparatory phase in 2020, we founded the non-profit association MILA, which will continue to work behind the scenes on networking and educational initiatives. The MILA Participatory Minimarket branch association operated the minimarket. More information about the structure 

Yes, you must be a cooperative member and complete your required shifts to be able to shop. However, as an active cooperative member, you have the right to designate an additional person (your co-shopper) who may shop (but not work) – regardless of their relationship to you or whether they live in the same household or elsewhere; children of the active cooperative member under 18 years of age may shop – their own children and all those living in the same household.

No, you have to become a cooperative member. It’s best to switch immediately and become a co-operative member. If you want to support the development of MILA financially on an ongoing basis in addition to the co-operative share, we would be happy if you continue to pay the association membership fee, but this is not a must.

Mitglieder dürfen nur für den nicht kommerziellen (Eigen)Bedarf einkaufen, ein Weiterverkauf ist untersagt und führt zu einem Ausschluss aus der Genossenschaft. Miteinkaufen ohne Gewinn für andere Mitglieder, zum Beispiel als Nachbarschaftsdienst, ist davon ausgenommen.

Shopping, participating, and having a say are closely intertwined at MILA. As a member, you help determine the product range: A product range folder is available in the supermarket where you can write down your suggestions. As a cooperative member, you will be invited to the general meeting and can participate in decision-making there. Your participation and involvement in working groups during the supermarket’s development phase are especially welcome. 

Once the large cooperative supermarket opens, every member who wants to shop there must contribute three hours of work every four weeks. Contributing includes all the tasks that arise in a supermarket: stocking shelves, taking goods to the warehouse, attaching price tags, working the cash register, tidying up, and much more. The work is varied and meant to be enjoyable: you work as a team and experience true cooperation.

No – that would undermine the principles of the MILA concept. Everyone contributes equally, everyone has an equal say, everyone owns an equal share. Therefore, working hours cannot be paid off or transferred.

Exemptions from shifts are possible in certain life circumstances such as age, illness, disability, parenthood, or caring for relatives. The shifts are flexible and take individual preferences and abilities into account. Please contact the membership office; we will find a suitable solution for everyone. 

Based on our role models La Louve in Paris and Park Slope in New York, and through calculations in our business plan, we know that we need over 1,000 members to be able to offer a wide range of products at attractive prices for the opening.