My wife was recently gushing about how much she loves the Co-op, and it made me realise how much I take it for granted. It's just our local shop. And it's probably more expensive than, I don't know, Asda or Tesco. But it's cheaper than the Costcutter four doors down. And it's full of posh goodies. And fair trade and organic things to ease your middle class guilt. You can get pretty much anything you want here. And - for someone who can't stand shopping of any kind - it's actually not an unpleasant retail experience. Especially now that they have FINALLY given the staff some customer training and brought in some guys to break up the sour faced overworked women who would snarl as they served you. Oh my God - there were times I walked out of there wanting to punch myself in the face after being served by one of the women (who's still there, actually). But I'm a happier person, now. And so are they. read more