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- Tasks: Join our team to support independent retailers with buying power and expertise.
- Company: AIS is the UK's leading buying group for fashion, home, and leisure, empowering independent retailers.
- Benefits: Enjoy exclusive access to trade shows, discounts, and a bespoke payment system.
- Why this job: Be part of a vibrant community that celebrates creativity and entrepreneurship while making a real impact.
- Qualifications: No specific qualifications required; just a passion for retail and teamwork.
- Other info: Gain insights from industry experts and access to innovative products across various sectors.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
When we work together, we can achieve more than we ever could on our own. It’s time to thrive. The AIS buying group is the UK and Ireland’s leading fashion, home, and leisure buying group for independent retail. We’re a membership of buying power, creativity, and expertise. Be part of a global partnership of suppliers and brands that give independents a point of difference.
AIS is a membership organisation that celebrates individuality and entrepreneurship. We make sure every member thrives by combining all our strengths, buying power, creativity, and expertise. With collective retail sales of £1.5 billion, suppliers and brands from around the world are eager to partner with us.
Buying and Trade Shows
A major benefit of our membership is access to our regular INDX trade shows, where Members can preview and buy products and take advantage of exclusive deals. INDX trade shows are organised by our in-house industry experts to showcase products across furniture, fashion, homeware, flooring, toys, and sports.
Become a Member of AIS and gain access to the best buying opportunities and discounts from major suppliers. Additional benefits include:
- An unparalleled end-to-end service focused on driving profit for you.
- Easy payments.
- A bespoke central payment system (CENPAC) saves time and money.
- Innovation-led buying and product merchandising services.
- Access to our portfolio of market-leading brands and product ranges.
We have a team of highly respected buying experts in home, fashion, leisure, sports, and toys. We source the best brands, suppliers and exclusive products and we develop exclusive own label ranges. Our teams negotiate exclusive deals and discounts as well as providing essential, commercially driven services to support the independent retailer.
Furniture Buying
Furniture is at the heart of the AIS buying group. We give independent retailers access to new, bestselling, and exclusive furniture products across upholstery, cabinet, bedroom, lighting, accessories, and garden.
From well-known brands to exclusively sourced ranges across cookware, kitchenware, small electricals, dining, glassware, home fragrance, and home textiles, AIS is the UK and Ireland’s leading homeware buying group.
Explore men’s, women’s, and kids ranges across fashion, accessories, and footwear. With access to exclusive brands, a strong focus on lifestyle, high street, and high-end names, plus our own label First Avenue.
The AIS Flooring One team offers Members the best quality, largest, and most innovative selection of floor coverings in the UK and Ireland, with a wide variety of traditional and contemporary products to suit every room of the house.
A one-stop-shop of retail industry expertise, supporting with annual strategy and planning, buying, and brand selection - all designed to improve margins and profitability.
Our newest division, the AIS sports and leisure team work with leading sports, active lifestyle, performance wear, and team wear suppliers with a focus on innovation, expertise, and quality.
Playroom is the home of market-leading toy brands as well as unique and sustainable products for children and nursery. As an AIS Member you can get access to exclusive margin-beating import programmes too.
CENPAC is our unique AIS central payment system. CENPAC enables Members to settle all invoices from our preferred AIS suppliers with one easy and convenient direct-debit payment.
Join our thriving membership today. Stay proudly independent but have access to global brands, our leading central payment facility, innovation-led buying and merchandising, and VIP access to the busiest trade-buying calendar of events in the sector. Support independent retail. Join our global partnership of brands and suppliers. Create points of difference for our Members, reap the benefits of our one-stop payment system, and grow your business by partnering with the UK and Ireland’s leading buying group for fashion, home, and leisure.
UK Leading Buying Group | Associated Independent Stores employer: Associated Independent Stores Ltd
Contact Detail:
Associated Independent Stores Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land UK Leading Buying Group | Associated Independent Stores
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the AIS buying group and its core values. Understanding their mission to support independent retailers will help you align your skills and experiences with their goals during any discussions.
✨Tip Number 2
Network within the retail industry, especially with independent retailers and suppliers. Attend trade shows or industry events where AIS is present to make connections that could give you an edge in your application.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your knowledge of current trends in fashion, home, and leisure sectors. Being well-versed in market dynamics can demonstrate your passion and readiness to contribute to AIS's innovative approach.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss how you can enhance the buying power and creativity of AIS. Think about specific ideas or strategies you could bring to the table that would benefit their members and set you apart from other candidates.
We think you need these skills to ace UK Leading Buying Group | Associated Independent Stores
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Company: Familiarise yourself with Associated Independent Stores (AIS) and their mission. Highlight your understanding of their role in supporting independent retailers and how you can contribute to their goals.
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects relevant experience in retail, buying, or related fields. Emphasise any achievements that demonstrate your ability to drive profit and support independent businesses.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for independent retail and your understanding of the buying group model. Mention specific skills or experiences that align with AIS's focus on creativity and expertise.
Highlight Relevant Skills: In your application, emphasise skills such as negotiation, market analysis, and product merchandising. These are crucial for a role within a buying group and will show that you understand the industry's demands.
How to prepare for a job interview at Associated Independent Stores Ltd
✨Understand the Company Culture
Before your interview, take some time to research AIS and its values. Understanding their focus on individuality and entrepreneurship will help you align your answers with their culture, showing that you're a great fit for their team.
✨Showcase Your Buying Expertise
Since this role is within a buying group, be prepared to discuss your experience in sourcing products, negotiating deals, and understanding market trends. Highlight any specific successes you've had in these areas to demonstrate your value.
✨Prepare Questions About Membership Benefits
Think of insightful questions regarding the benefits of membership for independent retailers. This shows your interest in how AIS supports its members and your eagerness to contribute to their success.
✨Demonstrate Team Collaboration Skills
AIS thrives on collaboration among its members. Be ready to share examples of how you've successfully worked in teams, especially in retail or buying contexts, to illustrate your ability to contribute to their collective strength.
