Independent retail at the heart for 50 years
Celebrating the milestones of AIS and Member milestones that have shaped independent retail.
Why Associated Independent Stores?
We’re here as a buying group for independent retailers. AIS is a membership organisation that celebrates individuality and entrepreneurship. We make sure every member thrives by combining all our strengths, buying power, creativity, and expertise. With collective retail sales of £1.5 billion, suppliers and brands from around the world are eager to partner with us.
Buying and Trade Shows
A major benefit of AIS membership is access to our INDX trade shows, where Members can browse commercially curated products, place orders, and take advantage of exclusive deals and discounts. Organised by our in-house industry experts, the INDX portfolio covers furniture, fashion, homeware, flooring, and sports.
Additional benefits include:
An unparalleled end-to-end service focused on driving profit for you.
A bespoke central payment system (CENPAC) saves time and money.
Innovation-led buying and product merchandising services.
Access to our portfolio of market-leading brands and product ranges.
Our Products and Services
We have a team of highly respected buying experts in home, fashion, leisure, sports, and toys. We source the best brands, suppliers, and exclusive products, and we develop exclusive own label ranges. We negotiate exclusive deals and discounts, and provide essential, commercially driven services to support the independent retailer.
Furniture Buying
Furniture is at the heart of the AIS buying group. Get direct access to new, bestselling, and exclusive products across upholstery, dining & living, beds & bedroom, and garden & outdoor.
Homeware Buying
From leading brands to exclusively sourced ranges across kitchen & dining, organising & storage, small electricals, bed & bath, soft furnishing, home living, and home accessories.
Fashion Buying
Explore the latest trends and brands across menswear, womenswear, kidswear and lingerie. With a strong commercial focus on lifestyle and high street labels, plus our own label First Avenue.
Flooring Buying
AIS Flooring One offers Members the largest and most innovative selection of floor coverings in the UK and Ireland, with traditional and contemporary flooring products for every room of the house.
Retail Buying and Merchandising
A one-stop-shop of retail industry expertise, supporting with annual strategy and planning, buying, and brand selection - all designed to improve margins and profitability.
Sports and Leisure Buying
Our newest division, the AIS sports and leisure team work with leading sports, active lifestyle, performance wear, and team wear suppliers with a focus on innovation, expertise, and quality.
Toy Buying
Our Toy Division is the home of market-leading toy brands and unique products for children. As an AIS Member you also get access to exclusive margin-beating import programmes too.
Easy Payments
CENPAC is our unique AIS central payment system. CENPAC enables Members to settle all invoices from our preferred AIS suppliers with one easy and convenient direct-debit payment.
Latest news and industry updates
Industry Blog, Golden Anniversary— 08th Oct, 2026
Associated Independent Stores (AIS) Proud Sponsors of the Drapers Awards Best Independent Department Store Category
Industry Blog, Golden Anniversary— 04th Oct, 2026
Celebrating Success: AIS Sponsors the Icebreaker and Presents Icon Award at the Excellence in Housewares Awards 2026
Golden Anniversary, INDX Shows, AIS News— 11th Sep, 2026
AIS Host Exclusive Member Walkround and 50th Anniversary Celebration Dinner
AIS News, Golden Anniversary— 04th Sep, 2026
AIS Brings Members Together for an Exclusive London Retail Trail
Celebrating Excellence: Good Luck to Our Outstanding AIS Supplier Partners, — 04th Sep, 2026
Celebrating Excellence: Good Luck to Our Outstanding AIS Supplier Partners
Industry Blog, AIS News, Golden Anniversary— 20th Aug, 2026
50 Years of AIS: Celebrating Our Members at the Excellence in Housewares Awards 2026
Become a Member
Join our thriving membership today. Stay proudly independent but have access to global brands, our leading central payment facility, innovation-led buying and merchandising, and VIP access to the busiest trade-buying calendar of events in the sector.
Become a Supplier
Support independent retail. Join our global partnership of brands and suppliers. Reap the benefits of our one-stop payment system, and grow your business by partnering with the UK and Ireland’s top buying group for fashion, home, and leisure.
