Tamworth Co-op
The co-operative movement has its roots in the 19th Century when the industrial revolution resulted in widespread exploitation and misery for many working people. One particular form of exploitation that was common was the way that many people found it difficult to obtain good quality food at a fair price. The development of shops had not kept pace with the growth of the new industrial communities and often families had no choice but to buy from unscrupulous local shopkeepers who had a monopoly on trade and therefore were able to charge high prices or adulterate their goods.
