| Role | Building local economies and community development |
| Type | Business cooperative |
| Values | Mutual aid • self-help • democracy |
| Founded | Early 20th century |
| Founders | European and North American consumers |
| Location | Europe • North America |
| Operated by | Customers |
| 21st Century | Central pillar of global social-democratic order |
| Alternative to | Corporate capitalism |
| International Networks | Extensive networks coordinating cooperatives worldwide |
