Month: February 2026

Being an independent business owner offers a level of freedom and community connection that is rare in the modern corporate world. However, this independence can sometimes lead to a sense of isolation, especially when facing complex challenges like lease negotiations, rising costs, or shifting consumer habits. At newsXpress, we believe that the most successful newsagencies are those where the owner is actively engaged but supported by a community of professionals who share a common goal.

Investing in a marketing group is a significant decision for any independent newsagent. It is important to understand exactly how your monthly contribution is utilised to drive growth and improve the value of your business. At newsXpress, our membership fee is structured at 295 dollars per month for the first store, with no additional monthly fees for up to two further stores under the same ownership. This flat-fee model ensures that as your turnover grows, you are not penalised with escalating costs.

The core of the membership value lies in the extensive suite of professional resources and exclusive programs designed to move your business forward. A primary inclusion is the Seasonal Edge program, which provides members with free prize packs valued at 350 dollars or more for major retail events like Christmas and Mother’s Day. This program is supplemented by professionally designed in-store and digital marketing collateral, ensuring your shop looks contemporary and engaging without requiring you to hire external designers.

Beyond marketing, the fee grants you access to a team of retail professionals who provide evidence-based business management advice. This support covers critical operational areas such as lease negotiations, where we help you secure better terms at no extra charge. We also provide shop fit and layout advice, which has helped many members save thousands of dollars during renovations. For those looking to modernise their operations, the membership includes assistance in establishing and maximizing an online retail presence specific to your business.

Supply chain advantages form another major pillar of the membership. You gain access to over 130 preferred suppliers, many of whom offer exclusive products and first-to-market opportunities. To help you manage these relationships, we provide a central billing program that can unlock delayed billing terms, improving your cash flow. We also actively represent you in resolving any supplier issues that may arise.

Finally, the fee covers the essential infrastructure that supports a modern retail network. This includes access to a private knowledge base containing over 150 business management articles, participation in live and recorded member meetings, and entry into our private community forums. We also provide tools to reduce overheads, such as market-leading low EFTPOS rates. By pooling resources, we ensure that every newsXpress member has the tools, data, and support necessary to thrive in an evolving marketplace.

The traditional Aussie newsagency model is undergoing a significant transformation. Relying solely on legacy categories like newspapers, lotteries, and parcel collection is often no longer enough to ensure long-term sustainability.

To thrive in today’s market, newsagents must look toward strategic product diversification that focuses on higher margins and faster stock turn.

newsXpress supports this transition by providing access to over 130 preferred suppliers, many of whom offer exclusive products not available to other newsagents.

One of the most successful examples of diversification within the group is the coin and collectables category.

newsXpress is the only marketing group in Australia operating in this lucrative space, partnering exclusively with institutions like the Royal Australian Mint, The Perth Mint, and the New Zealand Mint. This relationship is worth millions of dollars annually to members. We have seen retailers go from selling no coins to generating 50,000 dollars in annual revenue from this category alone.

Strategic diversification is about identifying products that attract new demographics and encourage higher spending per visit.

Mint products, for instance, have proven successful in attracting traditional shoppers, such as those visiting for newspapers or lotteries, while also drawing in a dedicated community of collectors. This cross-pollination of customer types is essential for growing the overall value of the business.

We have plenty more examples beyond mint coins.

The process of diversification also involves decluttering and rationalising existing inventory. By assessing business data and identifying low-hanging fruit, retailers can move away from slow-moving lines and reinvest that capital into trending products that deliver a better return on investment. This methodical approach to stock management ensures that every square metre of floor space is contributing to the bottom line.

Furthermore, newsXpress helps members navigate these changes by providing evidence-based advice and shop floor tactical training. Whether it is securing first-to-market opportunities or managing a craze while it is still fresh, we work to ensure our members are ahead of the curve. By embracing a diverse product mix, newsagents can transform their shops into vibrant retail destinations that are more profitable to own and more enjoyable to run every day.

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newsXpress is a marketing group that supports small local independent retailers to thrive. Find out more at help@newsxpress.co

Being an independent business owner offers a sense of freedom and autonomy that is highly rewarding. It’s why plenty buy their first newsagency. However, the challenges of modern retail can sometimes lead to a feeling of isolation. This is why newsXpress operates as a marketing group rather than a restrictive franchise.

The most successful newsagencies are those where the owner is actively engaged, supported by a community of peers and professionals who share a common goal.

The newsXpress difference lies in our personal and collaborative approach.

We do not mandate branding, uniforms, or specific signage; instead, we offer tools and advice that members can choose to implement based on their local needs.

This respect for independence allows retailers to maintain their local identity while gaining the backing of a national network. It is a partnership where we provide the resources, but the owner remains the final decision-maker.

A vital part of this support is the sense of community built over more than two decades. Through private member forums, regular online meetings, and national conferences, retailers can connect with each other to share insights and decompress.

Having a trusted group of friends to have a laugh with or a mentor to act as a sounding board can significantly improve a retailer’s resilience. As many members have noted, the friendships formed within the group often go beyond purely business relationships.

This community also provides practical support during difficult times. We have frequently invested time and travel to work directly on the shop floor with members who are facing financial hardship or struggling to find their mojo. Whether it is helping to reset a shop layout, providing mental health support, or assisting in lease negotiations, we are committed to helping our members find their way back to a successful and enjoyable business.

Success in retail is more satisfying when it is achieved methodically and shared with others. By fostering an environment of innovation and collaboration, newsXpress helps ensure that local newsagents remain a vital part of the Australian retail landscape. We seek members who are excited by success and who want to contribute to the collective wisdom of the group. Together, we can make every newsagency business worth more and more enjoyable to own.

The local newsagency has long been a cornerstone of the community. To maintain this position, retailers must find ways to offer unique experiences that national chains cannot match. One of the most effective tools we provide to help achieve this is the Seasonal Edge program. This initiative is designed to drive foot traffic and build genuine goodwill within your local precinct.

Unlike national competitions where the chances of winning are statistically slim, the Seasonal Edge program ensures that every participating newsXpress store has its own local winner. We provide high-value prize packs for major retail seasons, including Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, and Christmas. Because customers know a member of their own community will win, it creates a level of engagement and excitement that a national draw simply cannot replicate.

The program is funded entirely by newsXpress, meaning members receive the prizes and professional in-store marketing collateral at no additional cost. This removes the financial and creative burden of developing complex seasonal campaigns. The results are measurable, with many members reporting significant revenue increases in high-margin categories like greeting cards during these promotional periods.

Beyond the immediate sales spike, Seasonal Edge serves as a powerful tool for customer acquisition. The local prize draw often attracts new faces into the shop who might not have entered otherwise. Once they are through the door, the professional signage and engaging atmosphere encourage them to browse and discover your broader range. It is a methodical way to build shopper stickiness and ensure your business remains the destination of choice for your local area.

No other newsagency group in Australia offers anything like seasonal Edge. It’s fresh. Unique, Successful. Free to newsXpress members.

Suppliers love it.

newsXpress members love it.

Local customers love it.

The seasonal Edge program is a terrific success and playing a role in helping local Aussie newsagencies thrive.

If you own a newsagency business and want to enjoy your business more and benefit from greater success, consider this as it’s a proven winner.

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newsXpress is a marketing group that supports small local independent retailers to thrive. Find out more at help@newsxpress.co

Modern retail success depends on more than just intuition. In the current Aussie newsagency environment, the ability to interpret business data is a critical skill that separates thriving shops from those that are struggling.

At newsXpress, we believe that understanding the truth of your situation begins with a deep dive into your own sales figures and performance metrics.

Effective data analysis allows you to identify what we call the low-hanging fruit. These are the immediate opportunities for improvement that might otherwise go unnoticed. For example, by running a dead stock report, you can identify items that have not moved in six months or more. Clearing this inventory through targeted discounting frees up both valuable floor space and cash flow that can be reinvested into higher-margin categories.

newsXpress helps Aussie newsagents thrive.

We assist our members in looking at their businesses from multiple angles. This includes assessing the gross profit percentage contribution of different departments compared to the floor space they occupy. It also involves calculating revenue per rostered hour to ensure your labour costs are sustainable. When you have a clear picture of these metrics, you can make informed choices about where to expand and where to rationalise.

A whole-of-business approach to data also helps in reducing common retail mistakes. Instead of buying inventory based on supplier pressure or habit, you can make decisions supported by evidence. This shift in mindset leads to better stock turn and a higher return on investment. By moving away from a traditional model and using data to guide your path, you can ensure your business remains valuable and relevant in a changing market.

newsXpress is a marketing group serving around 200 Aussie newsagents.

We’re unique, not like any other group.

We’re not a franchise.

What you do in your business is up to you.

Our suggestions, curated for you based on your situation, are offered for you top consider.

There is no pressure.

We love helping local retailers thrive. Most of our members are in region al / rural Australia.

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newsXpress is a marketing group that supports small local independent retailers to thrive. Find out more at help@newsxpress.co

A recent ABC Gippsland report on the closure of the Sale Authorised Newsagency highlights a significant disconnect between media narratives and the actual state of our channel. While the report focuses on the “end of an era,” it fails to capture the vitality of the many newsagencies currently experiencing double-digit growth.

The story in Sale is essentially one of retirement. Terry Stewart, after 38 years of dedicated service and 2:30 am starts, has chosen to close his doors. However, the ABC’s editorial framing suggests this is an inevitable symptom of an industry in decline. This type of reporting ignores the success stories of newsagents who have actively transformed their businesses to meet modern consumer needs.

There is a telling detail in the ABC article: Terry noted that his product mix had not changed much over the decades. In the context of a successful, modern newsagency, this is an outlier. For many thriving newsXpress members, approximately 80% of what they sell today is different from what was on their shelves a decade ago.

Success in this industry is no longer found in simply being an “agent” for legacy products like newspapers and magazines. It is found in becoming a retail destination. Stores that are growing are those that have pivoted into high-margin giftware, collectible trading cards, plush toys, and boutique stationery. These businesses are seeing substantial increases in average basket value, often offsetting the decline in traditional categories.

When the national broadcaster chooses to cover a retirement-led closure while ignoring the innovation happening in the rest of the channel, they provide a skewed perspective. They miss the newsagents who are breaking sales records by embracing data-driven stock management and diverse product ranges.

The newsagency channel is not a monolith of decline. It is a tale of two different paths: one of tradition and one of transformation. While we respect the legacy of long-serving newsagents like Terry, it is essential to recognise that the industry’s future is being written by those who view their four walls as a flexible retail space rather than a fixed “news” agency.

We encourage newsagents to look beyond the headlines. The data shows that for those willing to change their product mix and engage with new shopper demographics, the opportunities for growth have never been better.

newsXpress helps newsagents thrive.

Choosing a marketing group is a significant decision for any independent newsagent. In a competitive landscape, the right partnership can determine the long-term viability of a business. At newsXpress, we focus on providing tangible value, transparent communication, and a level of support that respects the independence of our members.

Exclusive Supplier Partnerships

One of the primary advantages of newsXpress membership is access to exclusive supplier relationships. We have established a unique partnership with the Royal Australian Mint, a government agency that deals with us exclusively within the newsagency channel. This collaboration delivers exceptional value to our members, providing access to products that are not available through other marketing groups.

Furthermore, we work closely with various suppliers to develop products specifically for the newsXpress network. These exclusive lines help our members differentiate their offerings and attract a broader customer base.

The Power of Local Engagement

Our seasonal marketing program, Seasonal Edge, is designed to drive traffic and increase sales during key periods like Christmas, Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day, and Father’s Day. While the program focuses on these major events, its broader goal is to promote the sale of greeting cards throughout the year.

A distinctive feature of Seasonal Edge is its local focus. Unlike national competitions where the chances of winning are slim, every participating newsXpress store has a local winner. This approach fosters a stronger connection between the business and its community, as customers know their patronage directly supports a local prize. In 2025, newsXpress invested over $1,500 per store in cash prizes and promotional materials to ensure the success of this program.

Transparent and Honest Business Advice

We believe that professional success is built on a foundation of honesty. At newsXpress, we provide our members with candid feedback based on benchmark rankings and performance data. We do not believe in offering empty praise; instead, we offer the same advice we would apply to our own businesses.

As active participants in the retail sector, we own and operate our own newsagencies and e-commerce platforms. We share the lessons learned from our successes and our mistakes, ensuring our members benefit from real-world experience.

Investing in Member Growth

NewsXpress is committed to the continuous improvement of its members’ businesses. We reinvest our profits back into the group to fund initiatives like Seasonal Edge and our Deep Dive program. The Deep Dive program takes small groups of members to off-site locations, such as Bali or New Zealand, for intensive three-day strategy sessions. These sessions allow retailers to step away from daily operations and focus on creating actionable plans for growth.

Whether you require assistance with lease negotiations, supplier issues, shop layout, or human resources, newsXpress is here to help. Our goal is to ensure your business thrives in 2026 and beyond.

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newsXpress is a marketing group that supports small local independent retailers to thrive. Find out more at help@newsxpress.com.au.