1. The Foundation (1927)
In January 1927, in the historic city of Cologne, independent merchants banded together to form the “Revisionsverband der Westkauf-Genossenschaften” (REWE). This purchasing cooperative was created to secure competitive wholesale prices, laying the foundation for one of Europe’s largest retail and tourism conglomerates.
2. Development and Industrial Impact
The economic instability of the Weimar Republic made it increasingly difficult for independent grocers to survive against larger, centralized retail chains. By pooling their purchasing power, the founding members of REWE not only ensured their own survival but also guaranteed a steady supply of affordable goods to local communities. Throughout the 20th century, the cooperative expanded exponentially, establishing standardized store formats, introducing self-service supermarkets in the post-war era, and eventually diversifying into international markets and the travel industry.
3. Historical Site / Headquarters
4. Legacy
Today, the REWE Group operates thousands of supermarkets and discount stores across Europe. Despite its massive global footprint, it remains true to its 1927 cooperative roots, continuing to empower independent retailers while serving millions of consumers daily.
Historical Archive Footage
Sources
- S1 — Prinz, Aloys. Genossenschaften im Wandel: 75 Jahre REWE. Gabler Verlag, 2002. ISBN 978-3-409-12128-6.
- S2 — Brazda, Johann, and Robert Schediwy, eds. Konsumgenossenschaften im Wandel der Zeit. Verlag für Gesellschaftskritik, 1989. ISBN 978-3-900351-98-4.
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