The Co-operative and our building
A co-operative tradition that has been part of Clydebank life for generations – and the store we call home.
Long before Paul James Home opened its doors, the Co-operative was woven into everyday life in Clydebank. Like many industrial Scottish towns, Clydebank grew up with a strong co-operative movement – a place where working families could shop, save and share in the success of a store they owned together. Members paid in, shopped, and earned a share of the profits – the famous divi – which for many households was a small lifeline quietly saved up through the year.
For generations the Co-op was where the town did its shopping, met its neighbours and marked the rhythms of the week. That spirit of community and fair dealing left a lasting mark on Clydebank – and it is something we still believe in.
This building has its share of screen history. Scenes for the BBC series Only Child were filmed right here in our store, and over the years the Co-op has also been used as a location for the much-loved BBC Scotland comedy Chewin' the Fat.
Our home today
Today our showroom sits inside the Co-op Department Store on Sylvania Way, right in the heart of the town. We are proud to be part of that long co-operative story, and to carry a little of its welcome forward – a real place, with real people, where you can take your time and be properly looked after.
We are still gathering the building's own history. If you remember the Co-op of years gone by, or have stories or photographs of this building over the decades, we would love to hear from you.
- The Co-operative has been part of Clydebank for generations
- A tradition of community, fair dealing and shared ownership
- Our showroom is inside the Co-op Department Store, Sylvania Way
- A filming location over the years for Only Child and Chewin' the Fat
Do you remember the old Co-op?
We would love to hear your memories of the building and the Co-op in Clydebank – come in for a chat, or send us your photographs.
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