Springburn Virtual Museum

Community life

Co-op tailoring factory, c 1930

On 10 April 1881, twenty-eight men employed by the North British Railway at Cowlairs met and agreed to form a Co-operative Society, with the aim of reducing living costs for workers, enabling them to buy on credit, and sharing profits through a dividend. On 20 August the first branch of 'The Co' opened with one employee.

In June 1885 a boot shop opened, followed in 1893 by a dairy. A three-storey warehouse and a creamery followed in 1895, then in 1901 came stables, workrooms and stores. Local traders, resenting the competition, formed an association to try to have the North British Railway men sacked, causing a public outcry.

By 1931, with 12600 members and 690 employees, 'The Co' had 26 groceries, 17 dairies, three shoe shops, 11 fleshers, two chemists, two bakers, three fish shops and two furnishing departments. Additionally, there were workshops for tailoring, dressmaking, millinery and shoe repairs.

Source: Glasgow City Archives