AIS - A partnership for profit
Associated Independent Stores, or AIS for short, is the largest independent non-food buying group of its kind in the UK and Ireland and its 260 or so members have a combined retail turnover of around £1.8 billion. The group supports independent retailers ranging from single high street shops to flagship department stores and specialist retailers operating over 600 outlets across the UK, Ireland and Channel Islands.
Testimonials
“AIS membership gives businesses like ours a real advantage over bigger competitors in a highly promotional market. From exclusive merchandise to member-only trade shows, procurement support to marketing initiatives, the wealth of retail expertise delivered by outstanding professionals is something any retailer looking to thrive should seriously consider.”
Peter Harding, Managing Director
Fairway Furniture
Become a Member or Supplier
AIS welcomes direct approaches from interested independent quality retailers wishing to become members and from prospective suppliers who wish to be added to our supplier base.
Merchandise Areas
Furniture
Furniture is the single biggest AIS trading category and covers all product areas from upholstery to cabinet and beds. Most of the leading Brands, such as Duresta, G Plan, Baker Bedford and Tempur are available through AIS and more than half of our members benefit from access to furniture ranges with AIS.
Fashion
AIS Fashion division is comprehensive in its offer of Ladies, Mens and Childrenswear. Members are able to source many of the leading fashion brands along with our exclusive own brand ranges which we promote under the First Avenue, Kingston and James Aubrey labels.
Linens
Linens are a major product category within AIS and product sourced through us can be found in many of our members from department stores to furniture and home specialists. It’s supported by two shows each year which also include soft furnishings.
Housewares
Housewares covers ranges from cookware, kitchenware and small electricals to dining, glassware and candles and is one of our most exciting product categories with many lines being sourced directly from the Far East or Europe and exclusive to AIS members.
Specialist Buying Groups & Conference Centre
INTERSPORT UK has been established for over 35 years consisting of independent sports retailers forming a buying group with over 260 stores in the UK and Ireland and is now part of AIS.
Flooring One offers a large selection of carpets, rugs, vinyl, laminate and wood quality flooring from selected manufacturers. It makes choosing flooring easy and affordable.
AIS launched its own Toy Division in 2008 under the name plaY-room. In addition to AIS department store members, many independent toy retailers have joined the plaY-room family.
Cranmore Park is a purpose built conference and exhibition venue which can accommodate local or national meetings as well as exhibitions, conferences and training courses.
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