P.J. Hoffman

P.J. Hoffman started as a supermarket stocker in 1968 before starting in food co-op management positions in 1978. He was also very involved in alternative economics in Philadelphia, including housing, a printing collective and a land trust. In 1988, he started Blooming Prairie Cooperative Warehouse’s Retail Services program and began his career as a store designer, which now includes over 400 design projects.

Now head of the Store Development Services department of United Natural Foods, P.J. continues to concentrate on cooperative development projects. “All throughout my career what drives me is the power of locally-owned economic institutions. I believe our economic system is better off with more co-ops in all sectors.”

P.J.‘s services include:

• Preliminary site and building plans
• Store layout fixture plans and merchandising plans
• Store equipment specifications

“Valley Natural Foods has worked with PJ over the past 20+ years through several resets and 3 expansions. His enthusiastic passion, positive assistance and professional concern have provided solutions that have supported our success.”

— Susan McGaughey, General Manager, Valley Natural Foods, Burnsville, MN

“When Neighborhood Co-op relocated in 2006 PJ Hoffman provided much of the structure of the $1.5 million project. He created a fantastic store design that took into account our limited means and defined the scope of the archictectural and engineering work. PJ also created a spreadsheet that was the perfect tool to manage the purchase, delivery, and installation of $500,000 worth of equipment. All in all PJ provided the most value at the least cost of any of the professionals involved with the project.”
—Francis Murphy, General Manager, Neighborhood Co-op Carbondale, IL

“I have been working with PJ on store design issues for many years and wouldn’t think of doing a project without him as part of my team. He is current on industry and equipment trends, very detailed in his planning, clear in his communications and responsive to the needs of my team. I can count on him to give me 110% of his attention, and to support me in bringing a project in on time and on budget. And best of all, I have always been very satisfied with the final results.”
—Gail Graham, General Manager, Mississippi Market, St Paul, MN