Co-Op Society

Co-Op Societies (Arabic: جمعية تعاونية jamʕīya taʕāwunīya), often shortened to Co-Op, refer to Kuwaiti public organizations that are set up in each area of Kuwait and to provide services to its residents. These services mainly manifest in setting up grocery and convenience stores in each area, but Co-Op societies also often include a variety of different stores, both operated by the Co-Op and rented to private entities. There are around 60 Co-Ops in operation, making up around 60–70% of retail trade in Kuwait.

The residents of each area elect the board of their Co-Op on a yearly basis. Citizens in each area can become contributing members with voting power and receive a percentage of their purchases back annually. Some Co-Ops play a vital role in their community beside their commercial activity. For example, Co-Ops often provide support and/or donations to different local events and institutions such as schools.