Running industry trade group, the Running Industry Alliance has confirmed a strategic partnership with Sport 2000 Group International, an association of sports retail experts.
The aim of the new partnership is… ‘To enhance retail expertise learnings from international markets and to foster further growth opportunities within and for the running industry by working together.’
Leveraging its ‘Running Experts’ and ‘Absolute Run’ concepts, as well as strong community connections, Sport 2000 is a leading international sports retail group and service organisation for running specialty retailers in Europe.
According to the Running Industry Alliance (RIA)… ‘This collaboration marks a significant step forward in supporting and empowering RIA members from the retail and brand sector with learnings from Europe.’
Sport 2000 will be at The Running Conference presented by haku (December 8-10, 2024 Loughborough University, UK) with further details about its activities at the conference to be announced in due course.
“We are excited to partner with Running Industry Alliance UK & Ireland on equal terms, bringing in our retail and brand expertise with access to Europe to create tangible advantages and benefits for RIA members.” said Jörg Seifert, Leader of the Center-of-Excellence Running at Sport 2000.
“Our goal is to support RIA’s retail and brand members with learnings from international markets whilst helping to attract more retailers and brands to join Running Industry Alliance.
“We believe that by joining forces we can drive positive developments in the market that will benefit all parties involved whilst creating a joined-up approach and wider reach collectively with our shared market expertise.”
A release from RIA cited key components of the partnership:
- Connected approach: A joined-up approach to create access and opportunities and collectively share learnings for growth opportunities through extensive knowledge from both parties from a retail and brand perspective.
- Exclusive trade fairs: Sport 2000 hosts bi-annual international trade fairs that have been opened up to all RIA members to introduce Sport 2000’s global network. These trade fairs offer an opportunity to explore potential collaborations and future business models.
- Retail benchmarking programs: Leveraging Sport 2000 retail concepts, ‘Running Experts’ and ‘Absolute Run’, the partnership will introduce benchmarking opportunities for individual retailers. These programmes will be featured at RIA conferences, providing insights and strategies to elevate RIA’s retail-side knowledge and experience from a European perspective.
- Participation in Sport 2000 RSP Programme: RIA members will gain access to Sport 2000 Running Specialty Products (RSP), which offer margin opportunities paired with high-quality content to engage and activate consumers. This initiative aims to boost retail performance and consumer loyalty within the RIA network.
- Sport 2000 to attend RIA Member Events and RIA to attend Sport 2000’s events: Creation of further connections and access to international industry leaders and innovators at the events, where learnings can be shared and applied through European market experience and knowledge. A member of the RIA team will be present at the Sport 2000 trade fairs to help RIA Members maximise opportunities through introductions and fast-track connection.
Rebecca Richardson, Co-Founder of the Running Industry Alliance, said “We are delighted to welcome Sport 2000 as Global Alliance Partner. After an initial meeting at ISPO we have been working hard together to create this unique opportunity for all, with a groundbreaking approach for RIA members to access a portal to European knowledge and learnings from international success.
“Sport 2000’s deep understanding of the international retail landscape and commitment to the running industry aligns perfectly with RIA’s mission to support and grow our members’ businesses. Together, we will create new opportunities and enhance the retail and brand experience for everyone involved on this exciting journey.”
www.runningindustryalliance.com
www.sport2000international.com
