Civil Service Supply Association

Civil Service Supply Association was a department store on the Strand, London.

History

In 1864, a group of clerks in the General Post Office joined together to buy a half chest of tea. Their first transaction resulted in them saving 9 pence to the pound, and they decided to extend their purchasing to coffee, sugar and other grocery products.[1]

In January 1865, they formed the Post Office Supply Association, a co-operative with forty members. The co-operative was so successful that by April the scheme had been opened up to all civil servants and the name changed to the Civil Service Supply Association.[2] Civil servants could purchase tickets for 2 shillings and sixpence, which would entitle them to purchase goods at the store or from firms associated with the association.[3]

Their first premises were on Victoria Street, but by 1877 they had moved to 425 Strand, a building designed by architects Lockwood & Mawson.[4] In 1927, the co-operative was incorporated as a private company, becoming a fully fledged department store and severing its links with the Civil Service. The building was completely rebuilt at this time in the art deco style.[5] The store remained open until 1982 when it was closed by a severe fire.[6]

References

  1. ↑ The London Enclycopedia Edited by Ben Weinreb Page 189
  2. ↑ The London Enclycopedia Edited by Ben Weinreb Page 189
  3. ↑ "Dickens Dictionary of London by Charles Dickens Jnr.". Retrieved 4 Dec 2014.
  4. ↑ "Civil Service Supply Association - archiseek". Retrieved 4 Dec 2014.
  5. ↑ "The Shops of Old London". Retrieved 4 Dec 2014.
  6. ↑ The London Enclycopedia Edited by Ben Weinreb Page 189
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