The Cooperative Wholesale Society

The Cooperative Wholesale Society (CWS) was a British organization established in 1863 to serve cooperative societies. It provided goods and services to local cooperatives, which were community-owned businesses that aimed to benefit their members rather than maximize profits. CWS helped these cooperatives offer affordable products to consumers by buying in bulk and distributing them efficiently. Over the years, it became a significant player in sectors like grocery, textiles, and wholesaling. In the 2000s, CWS evolved and merged with other entities, marking its transition towards a more modern cooperative structure while maintaining its original mission of serving member interests.