Chelmsford Star Co-operative Society Ltd

Welcome to Chelmsford Star. We are a consumer Co-operative Society based in Essex with an annual turnover of over £103 million.

Our Society is run like any other retail business, but with a difference - we follow a co-operative set of values and principles, and we are owned and controlled by our members (shareholders).

Co-operatives have always believed in the ethical values of honesty, openness, social responsibility and caring for others. That’s just as true today as it was way back in 1844 when the Rochdale Pioneers launched the first successful retail co-operative.

The aim then was to supply goods to the general public via a membership scheme which cost £1 to join – a large sum in those days and yet today it still only costs £1 to join most retail societies including ours. Members were also entitled to receive a proportion of the profit from their purchases, which was returned to them in the form of a dividend, and this is still the case.

The society was established in 1867 and has traded since its formation with the sole intention of meeting the needs of its members, and sharing profits with them. Braintree Co-operative Society merged with Chelmsford Star Co-operative Society in 1969 to create the currently structured co-operative society, retaining the name Chelmsford Star. From relatively humble beginnings the society has developed by prudent investment, insightful management and the support of members and other customers to become a meaningful trading presence in mid-Essex operating convenience food stores, departmental stores, travel agencies, funeral businesses and renting property.

Vision Statement

We aspire to be the leading ethical retailer championing excellence in service, employment and community involvement in Essex.

Mission Statement

Our Mission is to work together giving life and meaning to the Co-operative difference by trading ethically in order to share our success and serve, support and sustain local communities.