This year sees INDX celebrate its 10th anniversary of creating standout trade shows for business-minded independent retailers. INDX’s unique events are created by buyers for buyers and lead the way as the number one order-writing show.
INDX delivers its business focused events across fashion, home and leisure sectors. The shows are in partnership with Associated Independent Stores (AIS), the UK and Ireland’s leading retail buying group, and held at their Cranmore Park event centre conveniently located in Solihull just outside Birmingham.
With 18 shows coming up, 2023 is set to be a busy year for INDX as it builds on a decade of events success, with the next INDX Sports & Leisure trade show being held on the 7th and the 8th of June — registration is open now.
To get a flavour of what INDX shows offer for independent retailers here’s some highlights from INDX Sports & Leisure 2022 held in December which focused on sports product, accessories, and apparel for the 2023 autumn/winter season.
More sports brands than ever before
INDX Sports & Leisure 2022 featured over 90 brands, including both big names such as Brooks, Hoka, New Balance, Mizuno and Sacuony, alongside numerous start-ups.
Alan Galloway, who heads up the Sports & Leisure team at AIS, said: “It’s our job to remain on the pulse of developments in the industry on behalf of our members, including the trend towards running and training gear. This is something we’ve responded to by welcoming our largest ever selection of brands to date to the exhibition.”
This year included innovative sports brands such as Pressio, McKeever Sport, PTP and Bahe Yoga, Torq, and Pulse Roll.
Pressio debut promises to make waves with sustainability
Leading the way in sustainable sportswear is Pressio, a sports brand with a mission to create high performance garments using sustainable technologies such as recycled yarns, non-dying and biodegradable materials.
Pressio’s 20 years of research has included working with some of the world's largest sports testing labs to provide advanced performance fabrics for a more sustainable and ethical approach to sportswear, making them a big hit at the show.
Sustainable sportswear brand, Pressio, debuts at INDX
McKeever Sports gains traction with new own-brand team kits
A large independent retailer, McKeever Sports specialises in GAA Gaelic football clothing, footwear, accessories and equipment. For nearly two decades it has seen the business grow into one of the UK and Ireland’s largest teamwear suppliers.
As well as stocking big brand names such as Adidas, Nike, Under Armour and Puma, McKeever has seen recent success with its own brand, launched in 2021 after moving most of the business online.
McKeever used the show as a platform to launch its new white own brand of team sports kits, making teams kits more accessible for amateur clubs. Business owner, Padraic McKeever, said: “The Sports & Leisure show is great. It’s the perfect place to network and make contacts, and to connect with what’s going on in our industry.”
Australian rugby champion brings new Bahe yoga brand to the UK
Chairman & Athletic Director at PTP Fitness, George Gregan, attended the show to get behind the highly successful PTP brand. George is a rugby world cup champion and Australia’s most capped international. PTP chose INDX Sports & Fitness for the UK launch of the new 2023 Bahe collection.
Bahe offers a range of premium yoga and pilates gear and accessories to enable better practice and to create a community dedicated to movement, technique and mindfulness for improved physical and mental health.
Bahe, the premium yoga brand comes to the UK
Attendees get a taste of Torq Fitness for first time at INDX
Torq Fitness is a leader in performance and endurance sports coaching and supplements. Originally developing a range of performance nutrition products designed to support athletes, Torq’s philosophy is to use organic and ethically sourced ingredients. Torq makes energy drinks and bars, as well as products for hydration, recovery and immune support.
The December show was the first time that INDX Sports & Leisure had hosted a consultancy and nutrition brand that featured energy and food gels. The Torq stand with its free samples proved very popular with attendees.
Torq talks serious about fitness and endurance
Visitors get some recovery time in with Pulseroll’s compression boot prototype launch
Pulseroll, founded in 2016 by Paul McCabe, makes professional percussive massage therapy devices. Their range of products offers something for all, from sports enthusiasts to sporting legends like Anthony Joshua, who is a Pulseroll partner, investor and brand ambassador.
The Pulseroll stand at the show was a hit with attendees, offering product demonstrations. A firm talking point was Pusleroll’s new leg compression recovery trousers, which are designed for faster recovery after rigorous sports. Compressed air is used to massage legs, reviving muscles, reducing swelling and increasing wellbeing.
AIS reveals new look branding across the show
INDX trade shows are curated by AIS. Their longstanding partnership has produced many successful events. Because AIS are expert buyers, they bring a wealth of experience that independent retailers can benefit from. For 2022 new INDX/AIS branding was rolled out for trade shows, highlighting their partnership and collaboration.
The next INDX Sports and Leisure show taking place on 7 - 8 June 2023. If you would like to know more about the all INDX trade shows, what’s on and when, see the full list of events and dates for 2023 on the INDX website.
