It takes the power of a group to get the best programs, prices, and products when retail market forces push margins lower and competition becomes more intense. Worldwide was established in 1955 by a group of independent retailers whose goal was to combine buying forces to stay competitive. This small group of surplus retailers helped establish the foundation of what Worldwide is today. Many early participants of the cooperative were veterans of a world war and saw, first hand, the value of community, trust, and relationship building through tough times. Their pioneering spirit lives on in the value that Worldwide offers it’s members today.