The real story began in 1954 when a group of individuals began talking about purchasing the Alberta Co-operative Wholesale Association retail store in Calgary and forming their own co-op. They knew they would need to work together and pool their resources to do this, marking the beginning of this remarkable co-operative story.  

Starting with one small store and 1,000 members back in 1956, today Calgary Co-op has over 440,000 members, all of whom own shares, making them owners as well as a members. Our lines of business have also changed over the years. Today, we successfully operate a chain of retail food centres, in-store pharmacies, gas bars, home health care centres, travel offices, and wines and spirits stores in Calgary, Airdrie, Okotoks and Strathmore, Alberta. Assets have grown from $1,000 in 1956 to almost $400 million today, with annual sales of $1 billion.

Today, Calgary Co-op is also one of the largest non-government employers in Calgary with 3,600 employees. You, and most likely someone you know either knows someone who works or volunteers with Calgary Co-op today, or did so in the past. Not only do we contribute to the local economy by providing jobs, we thank our loyal members by sharing our profits with them each year – a practice that is unique and defines us as a “co-op” built by and for the benefit of our members.

For a glimpse back at our history, a copy of our 50^th Anniversary Book is available on this website for your reading pleasure.

Vision

To enhance everyday living with life’s essentials

Mission

We deliver great products and exceptional service our communities value

We Value…

Community Commitment

Caring Service

Great Quality

In addition to the Vision, Mission and Values, Calgary Co-op also adheres to the seven internationally recognized Co-operative Principles upon which all co-ops are modeled:

 1.     Voluntary and open membership.

 2.     Democratic member control.

 3.     Member economic participation.

 4.     Autonomy and independence.

 5.     Education, training and information.

 6.     Co-operation among co-operatives.

 7.     Concern for community.  

The continuing development of Calgary Co-op is a priority for its Board of Directors, management and employees. Guided by a comprehensive vision and strategic direction, Calgary Co-op has a dynamic three-year strategic plan to expand, upgrade and enhance its overall operations while maintaining a financially strong operation. It seeks sustainable growth and profitability that will provide its members with a reasonable annual patronage return, while balancing the need to re-invest in the business.

Calgary Co-op takes corporate social responsibility seriously. Believing that investing in the community through corporate and store-based initiatives is imperative. As such, Calgary Co-op contributes to a wide variety of organizations each year, including the Alberta Children’s Hospital, Calgary Zoo, local crisis, homeless and emergency shelters, food banks, schools, youth programs, recycling and environmental initiatives, and community partnerships.

Responsibility for the environment is also a key priority at Calgary Co-op. Energy management, resource conservation and environmental protection are important, make good business sense and because it is the right thing to do for our members, our employees and the business.