About Us
Keeping it local is important to you. And it’s important to us, too.
Northern Lakes Cooperative was formed in 1932 by a group of sixty farmers fed up with paying high fuel prices to large petroleum monopolies. Through the 1930’s, our cooperative added fuel outlets in surrounding communities; as well as groceries, farm supplies, and a grain elevator. By the late 1950's, the Northern Lakes Cooperative complex consisted of bulk fuels, grocery, feed mill, hardware, clothing, a gas station and garage, a lunch counter and a credit union. There were 1,700 stockholders and 35 employees.
Over time, we have seen many changes, our stores are ever evolving to better suit patron needs. Do It Best Hardware, one of the Cooperative anchors, is the home of Northern Lakes Appliances. As appliances became essential elements in our daily lives, we added them to our many offerings - enabling patrons to make those necessary purchases locally. We’ve expanded our selection, added delivery service, and have financing available. In addition, we are dealer members of BrandSource, a “strength-in-numbers” buying group which gives us the ability to buy many appliances at prices usually reserved for much larger stores purchasing much larger quantities.
And now, our lineup is available to you in-store and online. Whether you stop in, call, email or shop online, one of our dedicated Team Members is ready to serve you.
Throughout its history, Northern Lakes Cooperative has set the standard for progressive retailing in the Hayward area. Through all the changes, our principles have remained the same: Excellent customer service, patron growth, and a commitment to community.