Both retail members and suppliers played their part in creating a “real buying environment” at the latest ISRA show, according to John Riordan, the buying group’s coordinator.
Forty suppliers exhibited, including the likes of Harrows, Ridge 53, Reusch, Mizuno, ASICS, Fitness-Mad, Precision Training and Wacky Sox, while over 30 retailers attended the two-day event, which took place at the superb five-star Heritage Golf & Spa Resort in Killenard, County Laois on July 11-12.
“Promoting buying activity is especially challenging in sports retail in Ireland at the moment,” says Riordan.
“For that reason, both suppliers and retailers had realistic expectations at this show. I am pleased to say that these expectations were met.
“As always, it was great to see the level of supplier support for ISRA members.
“It is a time where it is critical that the retail and supplier links in the chain work closely together, and ISRA provides that unique opportunity.
“The overall effect of this cooperation was that levels of orders placed at the show were on a par with the same period last year.
“I would like to thank our members and suppliers for their continued support, and look forward to an uplift in activity for everybody over the next few months.”
