Robertson had been invited to provide listeners to BBC Radio 4’s Today programme with expert opinion on the current state of the independent sports retail trade and how the market has been evolving.
It was an excellent opportunity to showcase the positive trends in sports retail and highlight the specialist expertise that is proving invaluable in growing sports retail businesses, as well as confirming STAG as a leading resource for the independent trade.
When asked if independent sports shops were surviving or simply closing down, in line with STAG’s focus on providing members with the necessary commercial power to compete successfully on the high street, Robertson told Radio 4: “There is something of a resurgence in the independent sports trade and some of the very best independent retailers have actually opened up new businesses in the last two to three years.”
Business for STAG has been equally positive, with the group’s year-end results showing a 28 per cent increase in turnover on the previous trading year and an 83 per cent growth in membership since Robertson took the helm.
Membership is now in excess of 400 retail outlets, with six new sports trade members joining STAG this month alone. Brands too and benefiting from STAG membership, with the group’s top 20 suppliers all seeing their business increase significantly.
STAG’s buying show, scheduled for November 18-19, is already gaining momentum, with 50 per cent of exhibitor space booked.
Says Robertson: “The importance of the STAG show is of vital significance for the sports retail industry – something which is now being recognised in Europe, as demonstrated by our new partnership with ispo.
“There is no longer an independently run show – the last attempt to reintroduce such an exhibition in Telford failed – and we are uniquely able to bring together a broad-based portfolio of brands under one roof – with the largest number of UK retailers in attendance. What’s more, STAG invests in helping these key buyers with the cost of attending.”
