The main origin of the UK co-operative movement was the Rochdale Society of Equitable Pioneers in 1844, which distributed a share of profits to buyers.

A Langholm Co-operative Store was attempted in 1856 but was wound up within a couple of years. A more successful launch was made in 1873 with the formation of the Langholm Co-operative Store Company (Ltd), initially trading at 3 Charles Street (New), at the far right hand side of the road in the photo below.

The store became well established and in 1882 moved to 11-15 Charles Street (New), with various departments including a bakery, drapery and shoe section.

In the early 1920s it moved to Market Place in the High Street, at the foot of Kirk Wynd. It is now located on the site of the former Kilncleuch mill.

The president of the Langholm Co-operative Store Company for many years was Robert Copeland, tweed finisher.

Langholm Co-op activities were low-key during the war, but it had a major social event in December 1913 with some high profile performers: