About Us
Growing out of the work and commitment of a founding group of community co-operatives, the Network was established in 2004 with the aim of supporting and promoting sustainable community-owned shops.
We support communities wishing to set up and run a community owned shop and we help existing community retailers learn from each other and assist them in adding to their viability and effectiveness. We also promote and represent community retailing to build awareness and support for the sector.
We are a company limited by guarantee with one part-time member of staff and a board of voluntary directors elected by our membership. We work closely with Co-operative Development Scotland and the Co-operative Group and currently receive funding from the Esmée Fairbairn Foundation and the Co-operative Fund.
Community Retailing Network supports Local People Leading.