It has grown from a 1930's-era climbers' exchange to the largest consumer cooperative in the nation.
Most consumer cooperatives have a board of directors elected by and from the membership.
Most consumer cooperatives hold regular membership meetings (often once a year).
Since consumer cooperatives are run democratically, they are subject to the same problems typical of democratic government.
Non-profit organizations and consumer cooperatives are encouraged to apply to provide or coordinate such services.
As of 2012, 5,923 consumer cooperatives, employed 128,396.
In practice, consumer cooperatives price goods and services at competitive market rates.
Most food co-ops are consumer cooperatives that specialize in grocery products.
The Farmers' Storehouse was both a producers and consumer cooperative.
Konsum is a name used by several consumer cooperatives, including:
