Associated trade
Cooperative and Associated Commerce is a form of commerce organized into networks of points of sale, such as stores, agencies, hotels, etc. These networks are formed and controlled by independent entrepreneurs who have joined forces with the aim of pooling their resources and know-how. This model allows traders to benefit from both a great deal of autonomy and the strength of an organized network, thus promoting the development and sustainability of their businesses.
Independent traders, members of these networks, benefit from several significant advantages:
- Network strength: As members and shareholders of the network, traders participate fully in its decisions and development. They can thus share costs and benefit from optimized purchasing conditions thanks to purchasing centers.
- Autonomy and freedom of action: While owning their businesses, traders retain a great deal of autonomy. They can fully express their entrepreneurial freedom while relying on the resources and support of the network.
- Common tools and services: Cooperative networks implement various tools and services to improve the performance and competitiveness of points of sale, such as sales concepts, advertising campaigns, training schools, loyalty cards, and financial tools.
The governance of the Cooperative and Associated Trade networks is characterized by strong participation of members:
- Board of Directors: Composed exclusively of members elected at the general meeting, it makes important decisions which are then voted on by the members.
- Working committee: members elected at general meetings can lead and participate in working committees made up of members and employees of the cooperative on subjects related to the operation of the concept and the network (purchases, communication, products, etc.).
- Member-owned capital: The capital of the groups is made up of shares held solely by the members, thus ensuring that major decisions and changes cannot be imposed without their consent.
Cooperative and Associated Trade represents a guarantee of stability for its members:
- Non-operable: Cooperatives cannot be transferred to outside investors, which protects the interests of member traders.
- Value created for the network: The cooperative structure being a means-based company, all the value generated is reinvested in the network, without external shareholders to remunerate.
Today, Cooperative and Associated Commerce represents nearly 30% of French retail trade with more than 50,000 points of sale and 178 national brands, covering more than 30 sectors of activity , including food, optics, home equipment, pharmacy, real estate, sport, and tourism.
