Kendal Co-operative Society Ltd
The Co-op had a beneficial influence on the economic and social life of the town.
The Kendal society was formed in 1862 with 150 members and a share capital of £330.
By the end of C19th it boasted 1750 members and a share and loan capital reserve fund of £15,000 of which nearly £4000 was paid out in dividend to members, each of whom had a dividend number.
Locations varied over the years, but significant ones were grocery stores in Highgate, Kent St, Finkle St, Stricklangate, Wildman St, Sandylands,Oxenholme and Endmoor. Other villages were added later.
There were also cafes, butchers, a coal department and a general hardware store - Waterloo House.
In 1963 a modern supermarket opened and the cash dividend was replaced by blue stamps. An amalgamation took place in 1968 and slowly Co-operation, at least retail based, ceased in Kendal.
Premises
Highgate
30-32 Stricklandgate Supermarket until the 1980's
10 Kent Street - Grocers
Waterloo House, 13-15 Finkle Street Cloths and Furnishings (department store)
21 Finkle Street Self service supermarket (now White Stuff)
