As AIS transitioned from the Intersport partnership in May 2021, the business was determined to build a future-proof category that supported sports specialists and the growing need for athleisure.
Numerous challenges faced our Sports & Leisure Members:
the effects of Nike closing long standing wholesale accounts
the impact COVID had on both retail and Suppliers
rising costs of running a bricks and mortar business
“Opportunities rose from a Post-COVID world, leading to a change in people’s approach to wellness and sport, with a surge in ‘at home’ fitness, with running being the most obvious winner.”
Nina McNamara
Sports & Leisure Retail Operations Manager
The team, headed up by Alan Galloway and supported by Nina McNamara, worked closely with several of our advisory Members to shape the category.
Padriac McKeever (McKeever Sports)
Adrian Pointer (Simply Sports)
Andy Bateman (Batemans Sports)
Peter Jones (The Sportslocker)
Steven Donald (Justrite Sports)
From initial conversations, there was an over whelming sense of drive and desire from our independent retailers to work together and support one another.
Rob Hawkin (Hawkinsport) and Richard Harding (Enlots) were integral to encouraging Members and Suppliers to join. The "strength in numbers" approach continues to enhance buying power for Members and Suppliers, attracts a high-quality supply base as a result.
The category began to gain momentum, with agreements signed by both Suppliers and Members. In May 2021, the AIS Sports and Leisure category was formally launched.
“Being part of the Running category development project was a pivotal point in our business’s success post COVID. We were able to help shape the future of the category, selecting Suppliers that could deliver profit and trust. Over the past few years our Run Club has flourished and become a highly rewarding event to host for our local community”
Shane Matchett – McKeever Sports
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Leading innovation in independent sports retail
Our Members enjoy access to a network of industry leading brands, and giving the freedom to innovate and react to challenges more effectively and commercially. With sport constantly reinventing itself, the team use their drive and expertise to refresh and build the supplier base, creating exclusives deals and other benefits.
The team’s focus is to support Members on the new generation of sports consumers that emerged from COVID; such as the resurgence of darts, the rapid rise of newer phenomena such as padel and the growing influence of social media and AI in sport.
Being active, in more ways than one
Our Members are committed to supporting and engaging with their communities; by hosting running and other sporting events, working with local charities and other independent organisations in their areas. AIS Members continue to play an important role in the business and local infrastructure.
AIS gives independents a place at the table – Sports and Leisure Meet and Greet
The Sports and Leisure team have curated a unique event, The Sports Meet and Greet, to celebrate not only their fifth year, but AIS’s 50th Anniversary. Exclusive to Members, this event provides the opportunity to sit face to face with leading CENPAC suppliers and includes a networking lunch and positive growth‑led discussions.
Curated by our in-house specialists, INDX Sports and Leisure returns to Cranmore Par, on 11 November. Our Members can look forward to a focused day to exercise their membership buying power, discover new business partners and connect with other independent sports stores.
