History

Wooldale Co-operative Society was formed in 1886 by a handful of residents of Wooldale, a small village in the Holme Valley in West Yorkshire, to cater for the needs of the local community. 

The Society expanded steadily, and at one time had extensive property interests in the area.  In the last twenty years the retail business has steadily declined, mirroring the national picture for village stores. 

The Society has been losing money for at least ten years, funding these losses by property disposals.  In 2004 the Society embarked on what turned out to be a disasterous redevelopment of the Wooldale store.

To resolve the dire financial situation this caused, the then board proposed a merger with the then United Co-operative society which was rejected by members.  Since then a new board has been elected, a leaner management structure has been put in place, and the outstanding issues with our development partner resolved.