Running Industry Alliance (RIA) is thrilled to announce a strategic partnership with SPORT 2000 GROUP INT´L, with the aim to enhance retail expertise learnings from international markets and to foster further growth opportunities within and for the running industry by working together.

SPORT 2000 GROUP INT´L is a leading international sports retail group and service organisation for running specialty in Europe with its “Running Experts” and “Absolute Run” concepts, as well as their strong community connections. 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 (8^th to 10^th December, Loughborough University, UK) and further details about their activities at TRC24 will be announced. This is a brand new opportunity that has been created through trust and a mutual consistent desire to help grow the industry by opening up international gateways and sharing knowledge.

A Partnership Built on Mutual Success

With a shared commitment to advancing the business of running, RIA and SPORT 2000 are joining forces to create a winning scenario for RIA’s retail members, brand partners and the broader running industry. Recognising the unique challenges and opportunities within the market, this partnership leverages SPORT 2000’s extensive international retail expertise to provide valuable insights, tools and opportunities to RIA members whilst showcasing how they serve the needs of their European retailers and brands, opening up portal opportunities for Europe and beyond.

“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 GROUP INT´L.

“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.”

Key Components of the Partnership include:

1. 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.
2. 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 a unique opportunity to explore potential collaborations and future business models.
3. Retail Benchmarking Programs: Leveraging SPORT 2000 successful 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 valuable insights and strategies to elevate RIA’s retail side knowledge and experience from a European perspective and learning.
4. Participation in SPORT 2000 RSP Programme: RIA members will gain access to SPORT 2000 Running Specialty Products (RSP), which offer great 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.
5. 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.

A Collaborative Path Forward

This partnership is designed to be mutually beneficial and will include significant investment from SPORT 2000 GROUP INTERNATIONAL x RIA to build strong relationships with RIA Members and support their growth and success.

Rebecca Richardson, Co-Founder of Running Industry Alliance, stated: “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.”

For more information about the partnership and upcoming initiatives, please contact info@runningindustryalliance.com or follow the LinkedIn page “Running Industry Alliance and The Running Conference” for updates.

Running Industry Alliance (RIA) is an independent, member-based trade organisation dedicated to fostering collaboration, innovation and growth within the running industry for its Members.

RIA membership applications are open until 15^th October 2024, and interested businesses in the running arena who wish to apply for membership and attend The Running Conference presented by haku in December should complete the application form or contact membership@runningindustryalliance.com for further information.

Check out the SPORT 2000 GROUP International RIA Global Alliance Partner profile here  .