industry buying group Year of the STAG?
With Chancellor George Osborne implying that a second recession is likely, retailers need to look to buying groups for support. Alex Fordham speaks to STAG members about the benefi ts of belonging to the group.
How long have you belonged to STAG? Steve Handscombe (Topsport): We have been members since the days of John Fisher but under the current STAG ownership we have been a member since 2005. Anthony Vos (Chorleywood Sports): We joined around the same period, so 7 or 8 years now. Dave Baker (Terrasport): Similarly we have been on board for 6 years.
How important is STAG to your business? Handscombe: STAG is important as it lets us improve our margins and has helped reduce some of the paperwork involved when dealing with multiple suppliers. This frees us up to focus on other issues like improving our customer service and having more presence on the shop floor.
Vos: STAG is essential to our continued success as a sport independent. We secure good discounts from suppliers. Speaking to other retailers, it is often difficult to gain access to discounts from the larger suppliers unless you belong to a buying group. Unlike other buying groups, there is no loss of identity. We are still a truly independent and don’t have to advertise the fact we belong to a buying group. Baker: Belonging to STAG is one of the top 3 business decisions I’ve ever made. When first joining it meant everything to the business and allowed us to build a rapport directly with some suppliers.
What deals have you been able to secure as a result of belonging to STAG? Handscombe: Better deals with mid-range suppliers. Vos: Uhlsport offer a
STAG Managing Directors Ricky Chandler and Ward Robertson with Graham Taylor.
is one of the top 3 business decisions I’ve ever made
Belonging to STAG DAVE BAKER (TERRASPORT)
special goalkeeping glove just for STAG members and good business has been achieved with a variety of other brands such as Asics, Head and Wilson. Baker: Early on in the running of the business, some suppliers refused to open an account with us. Belonging to STAG helped us to secure some of these accounts.
Can STAG improve their service? Handscombe: I have no cause for complaint at all; we are very satisfied with the service from STAG.
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Vos: It would be nice to have a closer link up with Nike and Adidas. Consumers want the latest Nike and Adidas products so we need these types of brand onboard. The timing of the show is not exactly ideal for us either as our key buying period is a little earlier. A few weeks earlier would be better but I appreciate it is not easy to accommodate everyone. Baker: I agree getting more access to Adidas would be useful. It would also be beneficial if some suppliers relaxed
some of the stipulations that are in place to open new accounts. Small businesses need every help they can get to try and generate income.
Will trading conditions improve in 2012? Handscombe: I think it is very unlikely, but with the Olympics and Euro 2012 in the summer, there is hope that trade may improve in late summer. Vos: I agree that there may be an improvement in the summer with the Olympics, Wimbledon and Euro 2012- but in general I think our industry is in for a tough year. Baker: It has been tough but signs are that conditions are improving. The weather will be important to us so let’s hope for a good summer!
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