The society was formed in 1890 and at the time of its merger with Scotmid it operated one department store with supermarket attached and eight small supermarkets or convenience stores in Cumbria and County Durham.

[1] The Penrith Co-op was featured on a 2006 episode of the national BBC Television programme Working Lunch for its support of the Melmerby village store set up by residents.

In June 2013 it was announced that they were proposing a merger with Scottish giant Co-operative Scotmid, subject to membership approval.

[3] The premises at 19 Burrowgate, Penrith housed the following departments: grocery, butchery, bakery, fashion, electronics, homewares, beds, furniture, carpets and cafe.

The society for many years ran mobile shops visiting various villages and hamlets in the Penrith area.