A consumer cooperative, also known as a retail cooperative, is a type of business owned and operated by its customers for their mutual benefit. In a consumer cooperative, individuals come together to pool their resources and purchase goods and services at a lower cost than they would individually. This democratic and community-oriented model allows members to have a say in the decision-making process and share in the profits of the cooperative. By promoting fair prices, ethical practices, and sustainable consumption, consumer cooperatives empower individuals to be active participants in the economy and create a more equitable and socially responsible marketplace.