The British Retail Consortium has pulled off a coup with the recruitment of five multichannel retailers, extending its reach and reinforcing its authority as retail’s representative body.

Asos, Findel, N Brown, Otto UK and Redcats UK have all joined the association, driving new director-general Stephen Robertson’s aim to increase its membership and authority.

Robertson said: “They symbolise the growing breadth and diversity of retailers the BRC represents. This tough economic climate means it’s especially important that retailers have a strong association fighting on their behalf.”

Asos chief executive Nick Robertson said: “It is important that all retailers unite behind one voice. We’ve joined because we believe that it has the ear of Government and the media on the important issues facing our industry.”