Co-Comunn an Iochdair Ltd was established as a limited company in 1979 and began trading in June 1980. As one of the first Community Co-Operatives in the Western isles, it was established through community contribution and a £15,000 grant from the Highlands & Islands Development Board.

The Co-Cohomunn’s committee lead in the building of Talla an Iochdair (Eochdar Hall) before passing its management to a separate committee. It ran a minibus service for many years to link communities with the shop and post office but its major undertaking was the establishment and running of Carnan Stores. These were previously owned by the Department of Agriculture but from 1981 have been the home of the co-operatives store. Initially, the store provided building materials and animal feedstuffs but over the years has broadened its stock to include hardware and household goods.

In 2012, the business continues to be successful, employing 3.5 FTE posts including a manager and office support and delivers and supplies to Berneray, North Uist, Benbecula, South Uist and Barra.