industry buying group Why should retailers join Intersport?


Retailers Adrian Giblett from Tony Pryce, Andy Bateman from Bateman and Adrian Pointer from Simply Sports speak to SGB about the benefi ts of joining Intersport.


How long have you belonged to buying groups for? Adrian Giblett: We have been trading for over 30 years and in that period we have belonged to buying groups for the majority of the time. We now have 13 stores across the South West and Wales.


Andy Bateman: We previously belonged to Allied Partners who came under the Intersport umbrella last April.


Adrian Pointer: Similarly we moved in April 2010 with Intersport’s merger with Allied Partners.


What are the benefi ts of joining a buying group? Giblett: By having the Intersport name above our door, it gives us better credibility. We are able to gain better discounts and have access to exclusive product launches such as the Adidas Predator range. This means we have a chance of competing with the big chains like Sports Direct and JJB.


Bateman: I would totally agree with this. Being part of Intersport brings with it an improved reputation. It means we are part of the sports industry bigger picture rather than being isolated and on your own. Just as important as the preferential terms is being able to network with other like-minded people and discuss new ideas.


Pointer: Being able to network at regional meetings and the access to exclusive products from the likes of Nike and Canterbury means that belonging to Intersport is very benefi cial.


What deals have you been able to secure as a result of belonging to a group? Giblett: Alongside the Adidas Predator range, we have been able to secure deals with Asics on their best selling footwear and exclusive colourways.


Bateman: The Adidas Absolado link up with Xavi enabled us to advertise this exclusive product. Babolat also ran an exclusive racquet range for Intersport last summer that proved to be very popular.


What have been your best selling products recently? Giblett: In the last 18 months Under Amour and their baselayers and running fi tness ranges have proved to be a hit with consumers. Under Armour provides a good alternative to stocking the traditional multi-national brands.


Pointer: The take up on Nike and Canterbury products has been very good due to the margins we can get for the products. This enables us to compete on price with some Sports Direct products ranges.


improved reputation. It means we are part gg


Being part of Intersport brings with it an


of the sports industry bigger picture rather than being isolated and on your own


ANDY BATEMAN FROM BATEMAN


How could buying groups improve to provide a better service? Giblett: Although the service we get from Intersport is generally very good, a closer relationship with Intersport Europe would result in better access to product launches and generally provide more security to domestic retailers belonging to Intersport.


Bateman: Better communication with retailers. Since Tom Foley (pictured) has joined communication has improved no end and with his experience in retailing, we have someone who


knows what it’s like to be in the retailer’s shoes.


Pointer:With Tom Foley in charge, Intersport is starting to move in the right direction. Regional meetings bring the sports industry together and any grievances can be addressed.


Will trading conditions improve for 2012? Bateman: We are anticipating a tougher year with losses likely. With cuts likely to be even deeper next year, people are going to have less disposable income and so are less likely to spend on sports products. When economic conditions are tough, it is


NEXT MONTH: SGB assesses the benefits of joining STAG buying group. 06 | SGB-SPORTS.COM


essential we work closely with Intersport to gain the best deals possible.


Pointer: The jury is still out as regards to the economic climate for 2012. We feel we are in a good position to take advantage if economic conditions improve. We hope that the Olympics and Euro 2012 act as a catalyst for larger levels of consumer spending.


Tom Foley


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