| Retail co-operative society | public limited liability company |
| It must be registered under the relevant co-operative law | It must be incorporated |
| The liability is unlimited | The liability is limited to the amount invested in the business |
| It is not a legal entity | It is a legal entity |
| The main aim is to pool resources together to enable bulk purchases and sell to the public at low prices | The main objective is to maximize profit |
| Profits are shared on the basis of patronage | profits are shared on proportion of shareholding of members |
| Lacks continuity | Perpetual existence |
| Control and management is by elected management committee | management is by the board of directors |
| source of fund is from members contributions | source of finance is from sales of shares, debentures, etc |
| There is equal voting right | members could have controlling effect on the basis of their shareholding. |
