Santa Monica CO-OP History

In 1936, the Consumers Cooperative Society of Santa Monica (Co-Op) was formed by a small group of individuals who worked together to better their lives. Now, with more than 92,000 members strong, the Co-Op continues to enrich the lives of its members and the community.

Cooperative is...

• Business Enterprise
• Owned by its member-patrons
• Provides goods and/or services
• Returns the Net Savings as patronage refunds, products or services to its members

The Symbol of Cooperation

• The Pine is a Symbol of Endurance
• Twin Pines Signify Cooperation
• The Trunk & Roots form a circle, symbol of eternal life
• The two Pines and the circle are dark green, color of chlorophyll, color of man's life principle in nature
• The background within the circle is gold, typifying the Sun, the giver of light and life

Timeline of Santa Monica CO-OP

• 1936 - 1st Membership Meeting
• 1937 - One Room Store Opens
• 1944 - Credit Union Organized
• 1946 - Gas Station Opens
• 1946 - WLA Real Estate Acquired
• 1948 - Store Moves to WLA
• 1955 - Store Expansion
• 1975 - SMCCU Relocates - CO-OP Center Closed
• 2000 - SMCCU / HAEFCU Merger
• 2001 - Co-Op changes its location