Co-op shop a hit in Malta – Family Matters store lets Malta residents stay in town to do their shopping

Its inventory of clothing for everyone from infants to adults isn’t high fashion, but the Family Matters store is considered a trendy establishment nonetheless.

That label is tagged to its business model, not the apparel.

Residents of this rural town organized to open the store after an Anthony’s closed in 1998.

About 170 people invested, buying enough $500 shares to raise $300,000.

The goal was to prevent folks from making out-of-town trips to buy things such as shoes and jeans.

"When people leave town to shop, it hurts your whole economy," said Terry McKeon, a Family Matters board member and shareholder. "We need to fill people’s basic needs right here at home."

By JO DEE BLACK
Tribune Staff Writer

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