Co-Op Societies (Arabic: جمعية تعاونية jamʕīya taʕāwunīya), often shortened to Co-Op, refer to public organizations that are set up in each area of Kuwait and to provide services to its residents.[1] 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 today, making up around 60–70% of retail trade in Kuwait.[2]
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.[3] 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.