“As winners of Best Buying Group, AIS would like to thank our members and suppliers for their continued support,” begins the buying group’s director of furniture and home, Emma Rackley …
“We are a very passionate team, who remain dedicated to supporting the industry and championing the independent retail sector, and to receive this award makes our hard work and commitment even more worthwhile,” Emma continues.
“This year has continued to throw challenges our way, but the team here at AIS have strived to strengthen our relationships with our preferred suppliers, working with joint business plans to ensure we are focusing on ways to drive value and new product innovation for our members.
“As the retail environment continues to fluctuate, we must support our members with new products to excite and draw in customers, and we will be showcasing these products through our online membership hub, and at our INDX trade shows.
“We continue to work closely with our trend forecasting partner Scarlet Opus, to focus on the key behavioural shifts customers are making regarding the products they are buying, and the retail experience they demand.”
AIS is currently planning its next INDX Furniture show, which will take place at Cranmore Park on 19th-22nd January 2024, with the first day open to AIS members, and the general trade welcome to attend on subsequent days.
“We’ll be bringing together a trend- and innovation-led product showcase across categories including upholstery, living room, dining room, garden, and accessories, and the show will be a fantastic opportunity to connect, network, and celebrate the industry,” says Emma.
“AIS is the UK and Ireland’s leading buying and services group for fashion, home and leisure, and our members are at the heart of everything we do. Our principal objective is to increase profitability for our members by means of collective buying power, group leverage, access to leading brands, and in-house expertise. AIS membership also offers unique benefits, including Cenpac, a central payment facility which gives efficiency and resource savings for members and suppliers.
“A collaborative partnership, AIS provides members with a bespoke service, which includes offering help, advice, and inclusive support, with a strong sense of mutual advantage for members and suppliers alike. We work with an unrivalled network of suppliers, and focus on negotiating special buying terms and discounts and delivering enhanced margins and exclusive merchandise to ensure our members continue to thrive and stand out in the market.”
For more information on the benefits of AIS membership, interested parties should visit the buying group’s website.
