| Chorlton like most districts of Manchester used to have several co-operative stores. This was a branch of the Manchester & Salford Equitable Co-operative Society, and it opened in January 1915. They took the premises at number 66 which had been an existing grocers shop since the building was built in the 1880's. | ||
 " The rest of the block was the Co-op stores. The first part led to
the stables and delivery yard. The rest of the block was the grocers, where
several assistant's were employed. There was a lady who sat in a elevated
box. She was the cashier. The grocer sent the money and grocery list in
a metal can which was attached to a pulley and sent across on a wire, where
she would check the list and send back the receipt and change. I think
there were two of these, one at each end of the shop. There had been a
grocers on the corner before the Co-op. The butchers was round the corner
on Stockton Road."
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 The shop closed in 1967 - it is now the stylish Avid and the restaurant Spice. The M&S Co-op merged with several other local societies to create Norwest Co-operative in 1970. There are still co-op stores in Chorlton. The Late Shop (United Norwest Co-op) at the corner of Barlow Moor Road and Hardy Lane. Also a larger Pioneer supermarket, operated by CRS (Co-operative Retail Servives) in the centre of Chorlton. Hanburys is owned and operated by United Norwest. |
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| As with many co-op stores a members meeting room was provided for rooms above the shop. This is an idea that dates back to before the Rochdale Pioneers (founded 1844). This was used for functions, dances, election meetings and by the local Women's Guild. |