Stag, the British buying group for independent retailers, reports a record turnover of £275 million (€307m-$361m) for its retail members in the U.K. and €80 million for its retail members in the Republic of Ireland. Sales increased from £250 million and €78 million, respectively, in spite of a small decline in the number of retail members from just over 400 to a total 380 – 300 of them in the U.K. – as the group decided to concentrate on the better ones. Many of them have developed their online business to boost their sales. Running remained the biggest category for Stag, with solid growth for brands such as Asics, New Balance and Mizuno, plus Inov-8 and Hoka One One among running specialists, where Saucony is also an important player. Rugby is also a very strong category for Stag, led by Canterbury. Skechers is also working well with many of its retail members, covering more categories and planning to launch apparel in their stores next year.

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