Wholesale Societies   The Scottish Co-operative Wholesale Society was formed in 1868 for the purpose of purchasing or manufacturing goods for supply to numerous local co-operative retail societies.    A factory complex was established at Shieldhall, Glasgow, which produced a wide range of foods, as well as furniture, clothing and metalware.    Where possible, the Society tried to control its own supply of raw materials which involved the acquisition of grain mills and timber suppliers in Canada, and a tea plantation in Ceylon.    The Society extended into service industries, including hotels, transport and banking - the funeral undertaking department was particularly successful.    The Society also moved into retailing and either opened local branches or took over small local societies.   The archives of the Scottish Co-operative Wholesale Society include:
Records of local retail and other societies throughout Scotland, 1826-1980 Various periodicals, 1864-1978 Printed histories of local co-operatives in Scotland and England Printed rule books of local societies and other bodies, 1906-1974 Papers relating to trade marks, certificates and patents, 1917-1976 Minutes and other records of the Scottish Co-operative Women's Guild, 1892-1984	Sketch of the great chimney at the Crawford Street works, Port Dundas, 1859 (reference code: TD232/136/1)
Records of the Scottish Co-operative Party Miscellaneous reports, correspondence and papers, many of them concerning staffing and salaries, 1892-c. 1975

Contact details:

Archives and Special Collections
The Mitchell
North Street
Glasgow
G3  7DN
Phone: 0141 287 2910 or 2988
Fax: 0141 287 2815
E-mail: archives@csglasgow.org