Industrial Problems, Coöperation: Great Britain, England. Rochdale: Coöperative Societies, Great Britain: First co-operative store of the Equitable Pioneers of Rochdale, opened December 21, 1844, in Toad Lane, Rochdale, with a stock of flour, oatmeal, butter and sugar, worth £14. After the first year interest on capital and dividends on purchases were paid. This store was the outcome of a strike in the flannel trade, in which the men had been defeated and consequently endured much privation.