ABSTRACT
Co-op Sapporo was set up as an extension of Hokkaido University Co-op in 1965 aiming at protecting consumers through providing safe and reliable food and combatting ‘Hokkaido prices’, which were higher than the national average. This chapter begins with a description of the socio-economic background of Hokkaido co-operatives and the legal framework in which they operated. It explains the foundation and rapid expansion phase of Co-op Sapporo, which was interrupted by the crisis of 1970. The chapter outlines the process of consolidation through mergers/takeover of other consumer co-operatives. Then the second financial crisis of 1997 is examined, and the steps taken to overcome it. A key theme will be assessing the extent to which these changes might be regarded as a process of Strategic Renewal. Finally, the lessons from Co-op Sapporo’s case are drawn.
