The Chesterfield & District Co-operative Society was founded in 1894. The original premises in New Square opened for business on 28 April 1894. The premises moved to West Bars in October 1895. In June 1896 a branch of the Co-operative Women's Guild was formed and in March 1902 the first branch store was opened at Whittington Moor. During 1903 new central premises opened at West Bars and membership reached 1000. In 1908 the building was extended to include new departments. The decision was taken in July 1911 to amalgamate with Whittington and District Co-operative Society and their 2 shops became no.3.and 4 branches. Further amalgamations occurred in 1915 with Clay Cross Pioneer Industrial Society, 1919 with Hasland Co-operative Society and in 1924 with Pilsley Co-operative Society. 1938 saw the Central Premises move to Elder Way with a further extension of the store in 1959. Further amalgamations occurred in 1963 with Heath and Williamthorpe Co-operative Society, in 1967 with Staveley Town Co-operative Society, in 1969 with Oxcroft and District Co-operative Society and in 1970 with Eckington Co-operative Society. The new Food- hall and Office Complex, linked by a bridge, was opened in 1981. When the society celebrated it's 100 year anniversary in 1994 the society had a membership of 73,000. In 2001 the society merged to become part of Midlands Co-operative Society. - Jisc.ac.uk

 

The Co-op when it opened in 1938

Thanks to Chesterfield Museum.

Bridge over Elder Way and the former multi-storey car park in the background - 1981

The Co-op men's depatrment - 1991

The Co-op's new cosmetics department - 1991

Celebrations on Elder Way marking the Chesterfield Coperative Society centenary - 1994

Thanks to Paul Greenroad

 

Thanks to Chesterfield Museum.

 

Co-Op - 2012

Thanks to John 'Blink' Orme

2012

2013

 

2018

Thanks to Alan Ward

2020