Cooperative Wholesale Society

The Cooperative Wholesale Society (CWS) was a British cooperative organization formed to serve retail cooperatives across the country. It acted as a central purchasing and distribution body, helping local cooperative stores buy goods more efficiently and at better prices. Essentially, it supported community-owned shops by pooling their buying power, ensuring they could offer affordable products to members. Over time, the CWS evolved into a major retailer itself, eventually becoming known as the Co-operative Group, which operates various grocery stores, financial services, and other community-focused enterprises.