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- Tasks: Join a dynamic team supporting independent retailers with innovative buying strategies.
- Company: AIS, the UK's leading buying group for fashion, home, and leisure.
- Benefits: Access exclusive deals, trade shows, and a unique central payment system.
- Other info: Exciting opportunities for growth in a vibrant and collaborative environment.
- Why this job: Be part of a global partnership that empowers independent businesses to thrive.
- Qualifications: Passion for retail and a desire to support independent brands.
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 in London 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 in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Attend industry events, trade shows, and local meet-ups to connect with potential employers and fellow job seekers. The more people you know, the better your chances of landing that dream job.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your personality! When you get the chance for an interview or informal chat, let your individuality shine through. Remember, they’re looking for someone who fits into their culture, so be yourself!
✨Tip Number 3
Follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can go a long way in keeping you top of mind. It shows your enthusiasm and professionalism, which can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got loads of opportunities waiting for you, and applying directly can sometimes give you an edge. Plus, it’s super easy to navigate!
We think you need these skills to ace UK Leading Buying Group | Associated Independent Stores in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When you're writing your application, let your enthusiasm for independent retail shine through! We want to see how much you care about the industry and how you can contribute to our vibrant community.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to reflect the values and goals of AIS. Highlight your relevant experience and skills that align with our mission of supporting independent retailers. We love seeing applicants who understand what we stand for!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and fluff. Make it easy for us to see why you’d be a great fit for our team!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Associated Independent Stores Ltd
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, dive deep into the AIS buying group. Understand their mission, values, and the unique benefits they offer to independent retailers. This knowledge will not only impress your interviewers but also help you articulate how you can contribute to their goals.
✨Showcase Your Creativity
Since AIS thrives on creativity and innovation, be prepared to share examples of how you've used these skills in past roles. Whether it's a successful project or a unique solution to a problem, demonstrating your creative thinking will resonate well with the team.
✨Prepare Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the role, the team, and the future direction of AIS. This shows your genuine interest in the position and helps you assess if it’s the right fit for you.
✨Emphasise Teamwork
Given that AIS values collaboration, be ready to discuss your experiences working in teams. Highlight how you’ve contributed to collective success and how you can bring that spirit of teamwork to AIS, helping them achieve more together.