Co-op Directory: Searchable directory of 22k+ products from worker-owned cooperatives.

What it does

Co-op Directory is a searchable index of products from worker-owned cooperatives and employee-owned companies. The site aggregates listings across categories like coffee, food, apparel, home goods, books, tech, and sporting goods. Users search or browse by category to find cooperatives, then click through to the companies' own online stores to make purchases. The directory does not handle transactions itself.

Who it is for

The directory targets consumers who prefer to buy from worker-owned or employee-owned businesses. It serves as a discovery layer for people who value cooperative ownership structures but may not know which specific companies operate that way. The site also includes a location-based tool to find worker-owned coffee shops, bars, restaurants, and groceries nearby.

Pricing

The site does not show prices.

How it stands out

The directory aggregates a large product catalog—described as 50,000+ products from 170+ companies at launch—under a single search interface. Most worker-owned businesses operate independently with scattered online presence. This directory consolidates them into one browsable marketplace. The site explicitly states it does not take commissions or sell products directly, positioning itself as a neutral index rather than a marketplace that profits from transactions. The browsable categories and search function reduce friction for shoppers exploring the cooperative economy.

What a founder should check

Anyone considering a rival should verify three things. First, whether existing platforms—from general marketplaces like Etsy to cooperative networks like the National Cooperative Business Association—already serve this discovery function and what adoption barriers exist. Second, how cooperatives maintain current inventory and product information on the directory over time; outdated listings can erode user trust faster than in traditional retail directories. Third, the unit economics of a non-commission model: if the business relies on eventual monetization through advertising, sponsored listings, or premium features, test whether cooperatives—often cash-constrained—will pay or accept ads, and whether consumers will tolerate them.

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