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.
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, toys, 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.
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.
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.
Playroom
Playroom is our dedicated toy team, working with over 800 branded and non-branded toys and children’s products through exclusive toy import programmes.
The history of AIS
The latest news and updates from AIS
Learn more about us and get the latest updates about independent retail.