Derby’s Co-op Cow Returns Lighting Up Nostalgia and Common Sense

Derby folks know the Co-op Cow sign. It lives in our minds, somewhere deep down. I recall seeing it glow green and red as a kid. It felt like “the olden days”. I knew it was there, but it stayed dark for years.

I tried to discover why it was off back in 2019. I wanted to know who could turn it back on, and I bothered people, like a reporter does. The East Street gym manager took me to the roof.

The sign was huge up close! The gym guy was shocked his building held it. One problem remained: He had no clue where the “switch” was. Years passed since we published that story, and hope seemed lost.

Central Co-op stepped in to help and made a smart choice: switch it back on! Plus, they used eco-friendly LED lights. They had resources and the power to do it, and they planned to light it on Saturday, March 1.

Little things make a city great. A cafe queue, a funfair sound, and a busker’s tune create a nice scene. A dark sign says we don’t care much for our town; so, hooray for the cow’s return!

It’s awesome Central Co-op is doing this. It brings happiness, pride, and nostalgia and helps their brand, of course. But life is about give and take. Co-op prices can be higher; however, they have social responsibility. They want to make a real difference, which is great.

Manchester’s Co-op Live arena had a rough start. Maybe the Co-op network needed a win. People say, “No one cares” and “Common sense is gone”; so, we must point out when things get better. I’ll be smiling, and I’ll see that neon cow glow again at night.