In January 2023 RSI members once again met in Athlone at the Shearton Hotel for our bi-annual supplier show. It was a successful two-day event enjoyed by both the RSI members and the attending suppliers.
Day one kicked off with suppliers including Brooks, Maguire Agencies (Berghaus and Speedo), Sportech, PF Sports ATAK, Vitalrate, and Mizuno. After a short break at the conclusion of the day, RSI members reconvened at the hotel bar for an enjoyable group dinner. It was a great opportunity for members to all catch up and compare notes on the previous few months of business, and especially compare notes on Christmas trade as well as plans for the year ahead. Day 2 included shows from Reydon Sports, Daricia, Lee Sports and Titan Agencies. The group then had lunch and made our journeys home back to our respective counties, full of inspired ideas, motivation and great deals made!
A big thank you to all of the suppliers who came. These shows have proven to be a great way for suppliers to connect with all members in the one location, strengthen relationships, show new products and make deals based on the buying power of our group. In a recent follow up survey of the attending businesses there was a 96% satisfaction rating with the show format and business concluded – the ease in seeing so many retailers in one place was also seen as a major plus of the show. Supplier spaces are limited and in demand. Please contact us if you or your company are interested in applying for a space at the next show.
From an RSI member point of view, the benefit of these shows is immense. Aside from the convenience of seeing multiple suppliers in the one location – joining up with likeminded businesspeople, sharing ideas, and learning from people in the same industry as you is another huge advantage. At the conclusion of the show, the RSI had gained an additional new member-Gannon Sports Clifden, bringing the group total to 20. We invite interested/potential new members to join in on a portion of the show, to get an idea of what the group is about and to see the benefits themselves.
