John Riordan, former sales manager for Asics U.K.'s performance running department, is starting at the end of this month as coordinator of Isra, the Irish buying group for independent retailers. He will take over from Tom Foley, the group's founder, who was recently appointed general manager of Intersport U.K.
Riordan already dealt with independent retailers around the country at Asics, and he set up and managed Isra's shoe unit. He previously worked for Aer Lingus, an Irish airline, and he is a part-time coach with the Football Association of Ireland.
This comes at a time when Isra is facing tough market conditions and competition from Stag, the British buying group for independent sports retailers, which expanded into Ireland last year with a successful show in Tullamore. Isra's own winter show, held earlier this week in Killenard, was fully booked. It boasted 50 stands representing more than 120 brands, and was attended by nearly all current members as well as potential new members. Isra distinguishes itself with independent members selling technical products.
Separately, it was reported that DW Sports, the chain of nearly 60 stores set up by David Whelan, was about to join Intersport U.K.. The retailer confirmed that talks were under way but said an agreement had yet to be finalized. DW Sports came into being after Whelan, the founder of JJB Sports, bought the ailing British sports retailer's health clubs and the adjoining sports stores, and renamed them DW Sports.
