A unified digital experience for three brands—see how we transformed Calgary Co-op’s online presence!

Overview

Calgary Co-op needed a serious digital upgrade—and fast. With separate sites for groceries, liquor, and cannabis, their online presence was hard to use and even harder to manage. We helped them bring it all together in one smart, seamless experience—timed to coincide with the launch of their brand-new mobile app, designed to unify and digitalize the Co-op member experience well into the future. From site audits to launch day, we were their full-service partner in building something better for their members and staff.

Problem Statement

Calgary Co-op’s old websites were hard to navigate, full of dense content, and didn’t match the design or function of their mobile app. Key information—like how to become a member or what Me-wards are—was buried or confusing. This needed to change, and fast! Calgary Co-op values their customers and wants to ensure they have a smooth and easy user experience. At the same time, their digital team was juggling an app redesign. They needed a website that could align with the future, not fight against it.

What We Did

We kicked things off with a deep discovery process. That meant interviews with staff and members, usability testing, content and membership flow audits, and a look at how similar organizations structure their digital experiences. We uncovered big opportunities to improve clarity and usability—especially around membership benefits and patronage, which were hard for users to understand. Based on our research, we proposed a new site architecture and cleaner content strategy focused on simplicity, ease of use, and alignment with Calgary Co-op’s mobile app.

From there, we designed a fully responsive WordPress multisite to bring together all three major Calgary Co-op properties—grocery, liquor, and cannabis—under one system. This allowed us to streamline content management while still respecting the unique branding and needs of each site. We prioritized mobile design and built flexible components so the internal team could easily update content going forward. One standout feature was the store locator, which now helps users find exactly what they need across all locations with filters, maps, and rich store details.

Throughout the project, we worked closely with the Co-op team, incorporating feedback and adjusting as needed. The client was on board with our recommendations from the start, which helped the process stay smooth. The end result was a powerful and scalable website platform that supports Calgary Co-op’s long-term digital goals.

Outcomes

The final product is a clean, modern website experience that works seamlessly across devices and across all Co-op properties. Members can easily find the information they need, whether they’re looking for store hours or membership perks. Internal teams now have a flexible, efficient system for updating content, and the foundation is already paying off—this successful collaboration led to a new website project for one of Calgary Co-op’s sister brands.