 The vast majority of products sold in "Co-op Food" shops are sourced collectively through the Co-operative Retail Trading Group although stocking decisions and pricing are determined by the individual businesses.The Co-operative Group, which manages the 'Retail Trading Group' took the decision not to compete head-on with the Big Four supermarket multiples purely on price in a market that was becoming ever more competitive.The co-operative movement has largely decided to concentrate instead on smaller convenience shops in local communities and also to market the "co-operative difference" and the ethical stance that the Retail Trading Group has taken on sourcing, having long been a supporter of Fairtrade, renewable energy and higher animal welfare standards.