| Administrative History | The Chesterfield & District Co-operative Society was founded in 1894., with the original premises in New Square opening for business on 28 April 1894. They moved to West Bars in October 1895; and in June 1895, a branch of the Co-operative Women's Guild was formed. In March 1902, the first branch store was opened at Whittington Moor, with new Central Premises at West Bars opening in May of the following year. In 1908 the latter building was extended to include new departments. In 1938, the Central Premises moved to Elder Way with a further extension of the store in 1959. A new Food-hall and office complex, linked by a bridge, was opened in 1981.
In July 1911, the decision was taken to amalgamate with Whittington and District Co-operative Society and their 2 shops became no.3.and 4 branches; while No 5 Branch was located at Brampton in 1914. Further amalgamations occurred in 1915 with Clay Cross Pioneer Industrial Society, 1919 with Hasland Co-operative Society and in 1924 with Pilsley Co-operative Society. Next was an amalgamations with Heath and Williamthorpe Co-operative Society in 1963, then in 1967 with Staveley Town Co-operative Society, in 1969 with Oxcroft and District Co-operative Society and in 1970 with Eckington Co-operative Society.
When the society celebrated it's 100 year anniversary in 1994 the society had a membership of 73,000. In 2001 the society merged to become part of Midlands Co-operative Society. |
| Custodial History | These records were acquired by Derbyshire Record Office from various sources in 1990, September 2001 and October 2024. |