Members wanted for challenge in the land of giants

The Network Indie Retail Buying Group is planning to double its membership and turnover in a recruitment drive to further challenge the domination of the high street giants.

The group was established two-and-a-half years ago as the original buying arm of the National Association of Specialist Computer Retailers (NASCR).

Its aim was to gain favourable conditions from distributors and vendors as one group. It now has 22 members and a turnover of #30 million.

Will Copeland, chairman of the Network Indie Retail Buying Group, said: 'We'd like to get our membership up to about 40 of 50 members and increase turnover to #70 million.

'The group works as a democracy, so we can offer members and suppliers value and honour. It gives us more power to deal with issues like returns and better services.'

The planned expansion will bolster the group's buying power and product range.

But according to some there are obstacles. Clive Bishop, general secretary of NASCR, revealed: 'It was our buying arm and many members are also members of NASCR. The Network Group is very different now.

'It does face challenges in recruiting new retailers. We have 248 members and negotiate favourable terms with various suppliers and vendors for our members.'

Another source suggested that the attraction of the Network Indie Retail Buying Group was also limited because of the high price of joining - #75 per month.