Who we are

Associated Independent Stores (AIS) is the UK and Ireland’s leading buying group for fashion, home, and leisure for independent retail.

Buying Group

The history of AIS starts in 1948, when 20 family-owned department stores joined forces. Since then, AIS has evolved into the leading buying group, headquartered at Cranmore Park.

AIS works together with independently owned retail businesses and a global network of suppliers to negotiate exclusive discounts and help drive profitability. With an unrivalled collection of own label brands, retail and merchandising experts, and its unique and convenient central payment system (CENPAC), the AIS buying group covers all your needs.

The history of AIS and its Members

1839 Ireland's longest established department store

1839 Burgess Department Store, first opened its doors in 1839 in Athlone and from that day to this, the service and range found in every department has made the store a magnet for shoppers seeking service and range. Burgess celebrates the tradition of a true department store with passionate specialists who have an eye for what's new and what their customer wants. From Ladies and Men's Fashion to Kidswear and Homewares, customer service is brought to life with extras like lingerie fitting service and gifting. Located on Athlone's main shopping thoroughfare, Church Street, Burgess combines contemporary fashion and style with a sense of heritage.

Two men stand beside a donkey cart on a cobblestone street. Behind them, a shopfront displays the name

1852 Stringers | At the heart of retail in Lytham since 1852

Passionate about their customers and community, Stringers are proud of their position as a destination fashion and home lifestyle store in Lancashire. An AIS Member since 1980, providing retail therapy is what they do, selecting on-trend quality pieces to bring joy to their passionate followers.

1854 Swapping the lakes of Italy for the streets of Cheshire | Arighi Bianchi arrive in style

Set up by two Italian familiy members with adventure in mind, the name Arighi Bianchi was then as it is now, synonymous with quality high-end furniture. Set in a four storey mill, the building is as beautifully crafted as the products within, and is now a listed building. AIS Members since 2000, the store is still family-run with that undisputable Italian style and values of service and quality.

1856 Fairway Furniture | Helping homes feel like homes since 1856

Serving style and service to the South West, Fairway Furniture origins are in a business selling not only furniture but as undertakers and general brokers. By the 1920s the business sold solely household furniture from the centre of Plymouth, a change in the 1970s saw stores move to the outskirts of town. AIS Members since the mid-1980s, the family business now in its sixth generation continues to thrive.

1856 Barbours | Scotland's oldest independent family run department store

Based in Scotland's South West, Barbours can proudly claim to be Scotland's oldest independent department store. A founding Member of AIS, the Dumfries high street store offers fashion, footwear, cosmetics, gifts and has an extensive home departments. Barbour also have a store in Stranraer, offering the same level of care and personal service to its loyal following.

1872 Atkinsons opens its Drapery doors to Sheffield

Selling household and family linen, the original small store was just the beginning, as founder John Atkinson expanded his premises and range of goods. Atkinsons built not only a business but a reputation that would see them through a devastating fire, two world wars and to todays challenging retail climate. Joining AIS in 1979, they remain one of our longest standing Members.

1881 Elphicks | From drapery store to world class brands

Tracing back its roots to 1881, this department store over two floors in the centre of Farnham was family owned until 2004. An AIS founding Member, Elphick's remains as proudly independent as ever.

1882 Dixons | Defining retail in Cumbria since 1882

Dixons is still entirely owned by the Dixon Family, with contributions by the third, fourth and fifth generations. With a strong emphasis on furniture, carpets and homewares - the family continue the tradition of service and value offered by Joseph Dixon in 1882 when he designed and made furniture to order in his Whitehaven workshop. Dixons joined AIS in 1981 and are a valued Member.

1882 From apprentice to owner | Barkers story of succession

AIS Members since 1992, Barkers are known for their show stopping Christmas celebrations, with their stores and arcade making up the landscape of Northallerton high street. Out of town, Barkers Home was built in 1994, creating space for furniture, flooring and beds. This is all a big change from the beginnings, when 14 year old William Barker was an apprentice at the local drapers, which he then went on to buy.

1890 Browns | Over 130 years of legacy and style

Since opening the first store in York in 1890, Browns have been running an independent family-owned department store for over 130 years. Rich in history, their founder Alderman Henry Rhodes Brown twice became Lord Mayor of York in 1913 and 1932. A long-standing Member, Browns have been working with AIS since 1977.

Victorian-style corner building with brick facade and large glass windows. The name

1891 Barsley's celebrating 135 years of independent retail

The roots of the family business of Barsley’s Department Store go back to when Charles Barsley took over the running of a tailoring establishment in Brenchley. The business became an AIS Member in 1985. Passed through the generations, the store is currently run by Richard and Alice Barsley, supported by their dedicated team of loyal staff.

1892 W J Aldiss Founding Member opens it's doors for the first time

Aldiss have been furnishing homes in Norfolk and beyond since 1892. In those 125 years trends have changed, but now, as then, their range of products has Norfolk at its heart. Alidss are one of AIS's founding Members, being with us since 1976.

1895 Stokers building a network of quality furniture stores since 1895

Proud to be a fourth generation business, Stokers joined AIS in 1983. The business began in the market town of Ormskirk, selling fabric and millinery, from here it grew to carpets and flooring. Building on its success for quality and service, Stokers began selling furniture and it this, that Stokers is known for today, with purpose built destination stores in the North West of England.

1896 Sisters celebrating 130 years of Facys

Established in 1896 the store celebrates 130 years in 2026. The family are now in their fourth generation and have been AIS Members from very nearly the start in the seventies. Sisters, Cindy and Vicky, remember going to previous AIS premises at Tricorn house in Birmingham with their Dad, who did the business buying back then. The family have provided AIS with great support over the years and we hope this valuable business relationship continues for years to come.

1899 Creaseys for Independent Retail's Island Destination

This historical family owned department store, provides Guernsey's locals and visitors with a unique retail experience. Trading out of several town centre high street sites, the fashion and home departments perfectly blend heritage and contemporary brands, continually evolving to meet the needs of its customers. Creaseys joined AIS in the early nineties and celebrates its fifth generation at the helm.

1901 Lees of Grimsby | Over 100 years of retail excellence

Lees have been inspiring customers since the elegant Edwardian era, providing today's shopper with choice and exceptional customer service. Lees' heritage is the foundation of their successful business and as a valued AIS Member since 2016, we look forward working with them well into the next era.

1902 Fourth generation family store | Lee Longlands

Founded in 1902, Lee Longland's flagship store built in 1932 still stands on Birmingham's Broad Street. In the post-war years, the business expanded steadily, growing into a network of stores spanning the Midlands and Oxfordshire. A management buying out in 2015 secured the leadership team and the future strategic focus for the business. Lee Longlands joined AIS in 2007.

1912 W E Clarke Ltd | Service and quality at the heart of the family

A family run department store in Derbyshire, run by the grandson of its founder. Proud of its ties to the community, Clarkes embodies the role that independent retail can play locally. Joining AIS in 1989, they currently stock the latest fashion and homewares brands out of their flagship store in Belper.

1919 Wroes expands through the generations

Originally founded by Mr and Mrs Wroe, selling an eclectic mix of ladies gowns and gramophone records, the business is now owned by the Ball family. Now stocking both fashion and homewares, this Member steadily expanded over the decades, with stores in Wadebridge and Launceston. Wroes have been with AIS since 1985.

1923 Menarys | Over 100 years of strengthening communities

A focal point across local communities in Ireland, and now England, Menarys was founded in 1923 by Cookstown Draper Joseph Alexander, the great-uncle of the current Managing Directors. For over 100 years Menarys have championed their customers with a thoughtful curation of departments, from fashion to cookware to cosmetics. Always advocating for independent retail, Menarys joined AIS in 1984.

1924 Austins | Opening doors to the 1920s

Founded as a drapers in 1924, Austins have been a valuable Member since the start. A century of retail has seen the business expand into landmark buildings, including former banks and hotels, to meet the demands for its quality merchandise and excellent service. Stocking fashion, furniture and homewares, the store remains family owned.

1925 Ulster Stores | Blending heritage with a modern shopping experience

Ulster Stores is a family‑owned, operating a collection of well‑known department stores across the UK and Channel Islands, including Moores of Coleraine, The White House in Portrush, Clares of Llandudno and de Gruchy in Jersey. Member of AIS since 1985.

1926 Celebrating 100 years of independent retail | Harveys of Halifax and Fosters for Furniture

2026, sees two of our valued Members celebrate a century of retail. Harveys of Halifax, a destination department store in the heart of the city are a founding Member of AIS and Rotherham's Fosters for Furniture, joined AIS in 2010. Perfectly demonstrating the longevity of our family-owned businesses and the diversity of our membership. We wish both Members a long and successful future.

1928 S D Kells | A staple in Northern Ireland

With 17 stores across Northern Ireland, S D Kells are a long-established independent retailer. They provide value for money with every visit, offering exciting ranges across fashion and homewares. Capturing the importance of a personal service, S D Kells also provide formal and wedding hire.

1936 Lenleys starts trading in Kent

Founded in 1936 Lenleys Home was born from a coin toss when school friends Leonard Watts and Stanley Adsett couldn’t agree on a name for their new furniture shop – Lenleys or Stannards, (a mix of the two gentlemen’s names). Lenleys ultimately won the challenge. Since opening, Lenleys Home has been committed to providing elegant furnishing solutions in Kent for every aspect of the home.

1948 Independent Stores Association

20 family-owned department stores joined forces to create the Independent Stores Association. Suters of Slough & Uxbridge, Grants of Croydon, Dingles of Plymouth & Bentalls of Kingston-Upon-Thames, Keddies of Southend, Heals of Tottenham Court Road, London, Cockaynes of Sheffield & David Morgan of Cardiff, David Evans of Swansea, Colmers of Bath, Brown Thomas of Grafton Street - Dublin & Palmers of Yarmouth, Beales of Bournemouth, Poole & Bealsons of Bournemouth, W.Eaden Lilley & Co of Cambridge & Hammonds of Hull, Anderson & McAuley of Belfast, Schofields of Leeds, Bonds of Norwich and, Brown Muff's of Bradford.

1951 George Street Furnishers bringing home style to Wales

Family-run for three generations, the business has been helping customers create comfortable, stylish homes for over 75 years, combining long-standing experience with carefully curated modern ranges. AIS Members since 1993, the owners have set up their own import and wholesale business specialising in outdoor living.

1951 George Street Furnishers | Celebrating 75 years in 2026

Started originally as a furniture repair business, one of Wales's largest furniture stores. An AIS Member since 1993, the business remains very much a family affair and enjoys the support from generations of customers who have bought from the store from the very start.

1967 Associated Department Stores

On 8 August 1967, Associated Department Stores (ADS) was born. They were a group of independent department stores, like the Independent Stores Association, who joined together to share business insights..

1971 Our central payment system (CENPAC)

Associated Department Stores wanted to create a way to pay their suppliers centrally as a group, so they started CENPAC (our central payment system). Maurice Clifford Riches, George James Douglas Phillips, John Norman Rouse and Horace Hornsby were made the first directors.

1971 Associated Department Stores sets up in London

Associated Department Stores moved to its first dedicated space in London. Its offices were just off Regent Street, at 13 New Burlington Place.

1973 Sterling Home opens a new destination in furniture retail

The conversion of a former mill in Tillicoultry where it all began, remains the heart of the Sterling Furniture Group. Furnishing Scottish homes with contemporary and classic looks, their stunning showrooms make Sterling the destination for many north of the border looking for interior inspiration. AIS Members since 1987.

1975 Associated Department Stores team grows

The team at Associated Department Stores outgrew their Regent Street office and moved to 157 Edgeware Road in London.

1976 Marking a great year for retail as Euro Sports opens its doors

Known for providing that traditional family run sports shop experience, Euro sports is a true specialist. Persuaded by his dad to start the business, the family have provided the capital's sports enthusiasts with quality product and expertise. Whilst many stores on the Finchley Road have gone over the years, Euro Sports continues its legacy and a founder Member of the AIS Sports division.

1976 Associated Independent Stores is born

On 31 December 1976, Associated Department Stores and the Independent Stores Association joined to become Associated Independent Stores (AIS). At this time, AIS had 100 members from across the UK and Ireland.

1976 A 50th celebration for E & M Carpets and Furniture

E & M is a family owned and run business that has now passed to the next generation and is one of Lincolnshire’s largest carpet and furniture retailers. Founded in 1976 by brothers Eddie and Mike Rammthe reins have been handed to Eddie's sons Paul and Mark. An AIS Member since 1994, we look forward to watching their business grow over the next 50 years.

1976 Right Price Carpets and Furniture Ltd opens its doors for the first time

Celebrating 50 years of independent, Right Price joined the membership in 1987. Their store in Coleraine, is still a family run business and provides exceptional quality furniture and home decor for their community.

1980 AIS moves to Birmingham

Associated Independent Stores moved from London to the West Midlands. We set up in Tricorn House in Birmingham.

in 1986 Associated Independent Stores moved from London to the West Midlands

1987 Joined with Floreat Furniture Group

The AIS furniture buying group grew bigger and combined with Floreat Furniture Group.

1989 AIS moves to custom-built premises

On 12 January 1989, AIS moved from Tricorn House in Edgbaston to Sheward House. A roof fire delayed our move slightly but it’s where we still are today.

2002 AIS forms Flooring One

Flooring One, our flooring buying group was born with a partnership with CCA Global, the largest floor coverings buying group in the world.

in 2002 our flooring buying group was born with a partnership with CCA Global

2005 Sheward House becomes Cranmore Park

Sheward House gets a facelift and massive extension. We renamed it, Cranmore Park, as we developed our conference and exhibition centre.

2011 Cranmore Park gets even bigger.

Cranmore Park gets bigger as we extend our exhibition centre for trade shows and create more meeting spaces.

in 2011 we extend our exhibition centre, Cranmore park, for trade shows and create more meeting spaces.

2019 Simply Home launches.

AIS launches Simply Home, its exclusive homeware range.

2020 New Managing Director at the helm.

Sue Kemp is appointed to drive the future strategy for AIS and help support its members to thrive.

2021 AIS Retail Insights launched.

A series of digital-on-demand and face-to-face insight and expert panels to support Members.

2022 INDX Trade Shows return.

INDX Trade Show's return, post Covid-19 with 26 shows delivered.

2022 AIS refreshes its identity.

AIS refreshes its identity as it takes the top spot as UK and Ireland’s leading buying and services group for fashion, home and leisure for independent retailers.

2025 Andersons of Inverurie and Glentree Furniture join AIS

Our family of Members continues to grow as Andersons of Inverurie and Glentree Furniture joined AIS. New additions to the membership from Scotland and Ireland, proving that AIS is the UK and Ireland’s leading buying group for fashion, home, and leisure for independent retail.

Trade Shows

The Cranmore Park Conference, Event, and Exhibitions venue, has been expertly built by event specialists as a stylish and modern West Midlands venue. Cranmore Park is the home of our unmissable INDX trade shows which are business and buyer focused events expertly curated across fashion, furniture, homeware, flooring and sport.

Welcome to the AIS family

Cranmore Park

Our impressive state-of-the-art dedicated conference, exhibition, meeting and event space is available to hire by our Members and can be tailored to all your requirements.

Find out more

INDX Trade Shows

INDX provides a fresh approach to trade shows, born to champion retail and create a trade show platform that truly serves the industry.

Find out more

Flooring One

Flooring One is our flooring and carpet specialist team at AIS, overseeing the best quality, largest, and most innovative selection of carpets, rugs, vinyl, and wood flooring in the UK and Ireland.

Find out more

Meet our team

130 people work at AIS headquarters in the West Midlands. Our expert team has decades of experience in buying, retail merchandising, finance and more.

See the full team

Sue Kemp

Managing Director

At the helm of AIS and member of the AIS Board, Sue leads the strategic direction and strives to drive success for the membership. Sue is a prominent retail expert with over 30 years’ experience at a senior level within customer-centric global businesses including Merlin Entertainments, LEGOLAND and Marks and Spencer. Sue is also a member of the Advisory Board for Diversity in Retail.

Jane Bartlett

Director of Events

Jane directs the event strategy for AIS, INDX Trade Shows as well as Cranmore Park Conference and Exhibition Centre. This involves planning, creating, and delivering 50 days of trade shows a year, as well as leading the sales and business development for all events held at the home of AIS. Jane has led her own business events company and has created and developed successful event and exhibitions around the globe working with companies like SAP, Hewlett Packard, ROYAL CANIN and Denso.

Guy Brazier

Director of HR

Guy oversees the people strategy for the organisation including supporting the independent sector in attracting and retaining a diverse and inclusive talent pool. Guy is a Chartered Fellow of CIPD and has led HR teams for over 20 years including Warwick Castle, Alton Towers, Madame Tussauds and LEGOLAND.

Georgina Kelly

Director of Marketing

George is responsible for the marketing and communications strategy across the AIS portfolio of brands to ensure Members are supported, INDX trade shows succeed, and our profile grows. George has worked across retail, leisure, and education developing brand strategies for over 30 years including Debenhams, Warwick Castle, Bullring Birmingham, and the University of Leicester.

Emma Rackley

Director of Furniture, Home and Toys

Having previously been Group Commercial Director at Bensons, Emma joined AIS in 2021, bringing with her a wealth of industry expertise. Emma has also spent time at Leekes, Furniture Village, and Shop Direct.

Ceri Smith

Director of Facilities

With a diverse property portfolio that includes over 40,000 square metres of event and conferencing space, Ceri’s expertise lies in facilities management, catering and hospitality, and infrastructure, with a very clear focus on sustainability and efficiency. Ceri previously worked within facilities at RNIB.

Richard Adams

Director of IT

Richard brings over 20 years' experience across retail and hospitality, working with well known brands from New Look, Whitbread, and Debenhams.

Devlin Lindeque

Interim Director of Fashion and Sport

Devlin brings over 20 years of experience to AIS, including Disney, Mothercare, and Merlin Entertainments - with expertise in leading buying and design teams as well as constructing and developing ranges across multiple product categories.

Shannon Mack

Business Support Manager

With over 20 years’ experience working within senior leadership teams at companies including Amtico, Merlin and IBM, Shannon’s focus is Project Management, leading Internal Communications as well as championing Employee Engagement and all things Culture.