The Rochdale Cooperative

The Rochdale Cooperative, established in 1844 in Rochdale, England, is considered the foundation of modern cooperative businesses. It was one of the earliest consumer cooperatives where members pooled resources to buy goods collectively, ensuring fair prices and quality. Its success led to the development of the Rochdale Principles, guiding cooperative ethics like democratic control, transparency, and concern for community. Today, the Rochdale Cooperative serves as a model for cooperative organizations worldwide, emphasizing shared ownership and democratic decision-making to benefit members and promote social and economic justice.