the Co-operative Group
/ðə ˌkəʊ ˈɒpərətɪv ɡruːp/
/ðə ˌkəʊ ˈɑːpərətɪv ɡruːp/
(also the Co-op
/ðə ˈkəʊ ɒp/
/ðə ˈkəʊ ɑːp/
)- a company set up in 1863 by members of the Co-operative Movement to produce and buy goods, and sell them in special shops. Its original name was The Co-operative Wholesale Society. It has supermarkets all over Britain, and several other businesses, including insurance services and funeral care. Members still receive a share of the profits.