Colchester

Colchester is an historic town in the north of the English county of Essex, with a population of about 160,000. It is the main town in the borough of Colchester, is one of the towns which claim to be Britain's oldest town (but is the oldest recorded Roman town).

Colchester Co-op

The Colchester and East Essex Co-operative Society was founded in 1861 by a small group of Colchester citizens who came together to discuss a new enterprise.

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The co-operative movement has its roots in the early part of the nineteenth century. The industrial revolution brought many problems, and families had difficulties obtaining food of acceptable quality at fair prices. The development of shops did not keep pace with the growth of the new industrial communities, and unscrupulous shopkeepers maintained a monopoly of trade in their localities. The need and ability to organise, together with the social needs and self-help values of the Victorian era, spawned the co-operative movement which was to revolutionise retailing.

Related Topics:
Nineteenth century - Industrial revolution - Victorian era

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Today the society is the largest independent retail chain in the region with £140 million net sales (2004) and a net asset value of £59 million. A dividend ("the divi") of £1.6 million was paid to society members.

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The society maintains town centre and neighbourhood stores.

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