In the heart of Cortina d'Ampezzo there is a place firmly linked to the history of the city and to the local craft: the Cooperativa di Cortina. Founded in 1893, today it is a reference point both for residents and for the many tourists who visit the pearl of the Dolomites.
The history of the Cooperativa di Cortina
The Cooperativa di Cortina was the first consumer cooperative in South Tyrol. In previous centuries, the Municipality of Cortina had already established a fontego, a warehouse that was responsible for providing some basic necessities at cost price, and sometimes free of charge to the most needy. At the closing of the fontego in 1888 the city felt the need to create a place with the same functions and especially with a role of price calmer. Five years later, twenty-five promoters founded the Cooperativa di Cortina.
Even today the Cooperativa maintains a strong social function, as evidenced by the statute that states that the company "aims both to sell and to buy goods and services in the most advantageous way for members, both to improve their material and moral conditions".
The Cooperativa di Cortina today and the collaboration with Nicki Colombo
Since 1974 the Cooperativa di Cortina has been located in its current location, in the heart of the city in Corso Italia. The offer over the years has expanded with the Home Centre and the food discount of Pian da Lago, fashion and clothing stores, footwear and sports accessories. The Cooperativa, with the dynamic direction given by Emanuela De Zanna (director of the entire Cooperativa di Cortina), offers space both to the big brands, both to local artisan realities, thus performing an important function of promoting local excellence. The research is entrusted to the purchasing department manager Francesca Mastel, a figure who researches the historical companies in the Veneto region.
Our collaboration with the Cooperativa di Cortina began in the seventies, with the production of accessories such as scarves and caps woven by hand. More recently, then, in Nicki Colombo we studied a special knitwear collection, with garments customized and designed specifically for the Cooperativa. Products made with the usual attention to natural and sustainable fabrics and the care of every detail, embellished with inlay technique and embroidery, cashmere wool blend sweaters and 100% cashmere sweaters from controlled supply chain available in different shades: the perfect garment to fit your style and accompany your most beautiful days in the Dolomites.
You can discover the complete collection at the point of sale of the Cooperativa di Cortina.
Mario Colombo with the director Emanuela De Zanna
