Independent together, with nothing to lose…

BUYING GROUPS

Each year we take a closer look at the role of buying groups in our industry and explore why retailers should consider joining, especially when costs are challenging and the market is highly competitive.

Concerns about independence seem to be the reason for reluctance by some retailers, but the groups go out of their way to emphasise that members very much run their own show – just with better margins!

Group buying power, own-label competitor protection, product selection expertise plus a whole basket of business and marketing support are the reasons why more than 1,200 of the UK’s most savvy retailers have signed up.

But which buying group? They’re all a little different in how they run their operation and retailers should talk to a number before making a decision.

With over 450 retail outlets throughout the UK, SMG is the largest flooring buying group and can offer independent retail members a package of benefits which include preferential group pricing, rebates, promotions, a central ordering facility and options for own branding.

“No need to be on a committee, attend Group meetings
or go to an AGM – just increase your profit without changing
what you do – it’s as easy as that,”

SMG has something for every retailer, large or small, long established or just starting out. Members run their business as they see fit but gain advantage from the most comprehensive package of benefits around and, all for the lowest annual membership fee.

“No need to be on a committee, attend Group meetings or go to an AGM – just increase your profit without changing what you do – it’s as easy as that,” says Linda Thomas of SMG.

“The key driver for SMG has always been to create profitable partnerships between members and approved suppliers,” she says.
“Both have the same goals and SMG is able to deliver more sales and greater profitability for both.”

The Associated Carpet Group is run solely for the benefit of its 325+ member stores and not for profit, unlike some other groups. It is non-intrusive and does not dictate in any way how you run your business,

with the majority of members being independently family-owned stores.

As well as the group’s award winning Smartchoice displays, it also provides many initiatives and benefits from which the member selects the those that suit their business best. 

“A retailer should never be worse off by becoming a
member of ACG and we are confident that you will receive the
best returns and support for your business, against your
subscription investment,”

The group secures the best trade prices and is very transparent regarding rebates earned by its members. Rather than accumulate these in house and then redistribute them to members, ACG insists that rebates are paid by the supplier direct to the member store.

“A retailer should never be worse off by becoming a member of ACG and we are confident that you will receive the best returns and support for your business, against your subscription investment,” says Jon Richardson of ACG.

The Metro Group is a multi-award-winning buying group, formed by retailers for retailers in 1979. 

Members retain 100% of their independence but improve their profitability and there is a portfolio of 200+ Carpet1st ranges.

A key feature of Metro is the unique, bespoke merchandising service. This can design, print, manufacture & install everything from a business card to a shop front.

“Every member gets a free allowance of £720 a year to
spend against this service,” says Steve Depport of Metro Group.
“This is truly unique because we want you to
invest in your business.”

Other typical services like phone, broadband and credit card deals and a range of group stands is also available. There are local meetings twice a year you will be invited to. The Group Central Order Service allows members to order from suppliers they do not deal with. 

“Everything the group provides is optional, you decide
because it is your business,” says Steve. “Contact me for
an informal chat, there is nothing to lose and a lot to gain."

Flooring One offers a friendly and highly professional service to independent flooring retailers throughout the UK and Ireland with the aim of increasing their profitability.  

The group is in partnership with some of the finest key suppliers
and works with them to offer members margin protection
on rebranded products with dedicated support from its expert
field merchandisers.

In 2022, Greendale Carpets & Flooring celebrated 60 years as a buying group. From humble beginnings, they have grown into one the most respected buying groups in any industry. 

They own their own warehouse, capable of stocking up to 2,800 rolls of carpet. “This buying power enables us to offer year-round low prices for all our members,” says Eamonn Prescott of Greendale. “After all, why wait 12 months for rebates, when you can benefit from lower prices from day one?”

“The warehouse allows us to go to suppliers and buy
40-50 rolls of carpet at a time. No other group has this type
of buying power because they don’t have a central warehouse
with stock exclusively for members,” says Eamonn.

  FOR MORE INFORMATION

ACG  •  01942 825520  •  www.acgcarpets.com

BRM •  07403 442229  •  www.beautifulflooring.co.uk

FLOORING ONE  •  0121 683 1426  •  www.flooringone.co.uk

GREENDALE CARPETS  •  01432 852000 www.greendalecarpets.co.uk

METRO GROUP •  01204 393 539  •  www.carpet1st.co.uk

SMG  •  0118 932 3832 •  www.smg-group.co.uk