Month: February 2026

newsXpress is different to any other group serving newsagents and here’s how:

1. No lock in contract.

newsXpress members can quit the group at any time. That they don’t speaks to the commercial and emotional value they gain from the group. The biggest barrier to newsXpress welcoming newsagents who want to join the group is the lock-in contract with another group. Our advice is: read the contract carefully before you sign.

2. Free seasonal in-store prizes for you.

The newsXpress Seasonal Edge campaign is free to members. Each season newsXpress provides participating members with a $350.00 value prize to give away to one lucky local customer. This seasonal Edge campaign is a key reason newsXpress members are reporting 10% and more annual card sales growth.

3. Exclusive mint coin programs.

Thanks to the exclusive Royal Australian Mint relationship as well as Perth Mint, NZ Mint and other coin relationships a typical newsXpress member is adding tens of thousands of good margin business without risk. Even better: coin shoppers tend to purchase other items, enhancing their value to the business. Our 2026 and 2027 programs are locked in along with some excellent media coverage.

4. Free national conference.

newsXpress hosts a national conference each year, providing free luxury hotel accommodation, breakfasts, dinner and more. This business building event is loved by members for the business value and wonderful networking.

5. Business transformation help.

newsXpress offers a business transformation service tailored to the needs of each individual member. No matter where your business is on its retail journey, newsXpress retail specialists will work with you, if you want, to help you transform your business toward greater value for you.

6. Exclusive product access.

newsXpress delivers exclusive access to a range of sought after product. This month (September 2025) newsXpress members gained exclusive access to one product range that delivered more than $10,000 in gross profit to each participating shop. That’s a wonderful bankable benefit for newsXpress members.

7. Small group deep dive.

This exclusive initiative groups 8 businesses to work together with mentorship offsite on the future of each participating business. This type of program has helped newsXpress members double business revenue, cut costs and make planning the exit from the business so much easier. It’s easier to sell a profitable business.

8. Cash flow support.

Our central billing program and other supports help members more confidently plan cashflow and bank for a rainy day. Cash is king and we help you respect that.

newsXpress is primarily made up of high street newsagencies in suburban and rural / regional settings. No shop is too small, or too big.

Your second and third stores can join for free.

To demonstrate our transparency and accessibility, reach out to our CEO, Mark Fletcher, on 0418 321 338 or mark@newsxpress.com.au.

It is a scenario that occurs with troubling frequency in the Australian newsagency channel. A retail owner, perhaps only months into a new arrangement with a marketing group, finds that the partnership is not a good fit. They may recall verbal assurances that they could exit the agreement if they were unhappy. However, upon reviewing the signed paperwork, they discover they are locked into a multi-year commitment. When they attempt to negotiate an exit, the friendly tone of the initial sales pitch is often replaced by the threat of legal action.

This situation serves is reminder of the importance of due diligence. For new owners entering the industry, a compelling sales presentation can be persuasive. It is vital to remember that a conversation is not a contract.

The most significant document in any business relationship is the written agreement. Verbal promises or implications carry no legal weight once your signature is on the page. If a representative claims you can leave the group at any time, you must insist they point out the specific clause that permits this. If the clause does not exist in writing, the promise does not exist in reality.

You must understand every term before committing. If an agreement contains jargon or confusing language, seek independent advice. You are responsible for every clause once the document is signed.

A professional salesperson is trained to build rapport and establish a sense of friendship. While a positive relationship is helpful, you are entering a legally binding partnership, not a social arrangement. Scrutinise the commercial offer rather than the personality of the person delivering it. If you feel pressured or uncomfortable during the process, do not sign. At the pre-signature stage, you maintain total control over the future of your business.

Every agreement includes a minimum term. Identify this period and consider it carefully. Committing to a specific strategy for three or five years is a significant decision. If the group’s direction does not yield results for your specific location, you may still be tied to their costs and requirements for the duration of the term. If you cannot confidently commit to that timeframe, the agreement is likely not right for you.

A common pressure point arises when buying an existing business that is already branded under a marketing group. Buyers are sometimes told they must join the group to maintain the branding or avoid de-branding costs. This is often misleading. The responsibility for de-branding should typically rest with the current owner as a condition of the sale. Do not join a group simply to solve a problem that belongs to the seller.

Ultimately, your reputation in the local community is your most valuable asset. In the newsagency channel, brand consistency is often lacking across different locations. Your personal service and business name will define your success far more than a corporate banner. Your signature is your bond; ensure you only give it to a partner that offers a fair and transparent framework.

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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.

Retailers often fall into the trap of believing that a larger range naturally leads to higher sales. In the greeting card category, this logic frequently results in cluttered displays and stagnant inventory.

newsXpress helps newsagents make fact-based decisions in their business. We do this per store, based on their data and based on their personal situation.

Our recent analysis from 50 comparable newsagencies demonstrates that growth is not driven by the size of the range, but by the efficiency of the “pocket.”

While many newsagents achieved a 10.1% increase in total sales this year, the most valuable insights come from measuring sales per pocket. The data shows that carrying more stock can actually hurt your bottom line if that stock is not performing.

The Efficiency of the Middle Ground

Large footprint locations often struggle with a “long tail” problem. In these stores, the bottom 15% of stock frequently occupies premium floor space without generating a return. Data suggests that mid-sized stores are significantly outperforming larger locations in efficiency. These retailers have found a sweet spot where every pocket earns its keep. Bigger is not always better; it is often just more expensive to maintain.

Consistency in Everyday Categories

Seasonal events like Father’s Day and Christmas provide significant revenue spikes. In fact, Father’s Day performance saw a 24.1% jump in specific stores. However, the true engine of growth is the “everyday” category.

Sales in everyday cards are up 12.7%. Successful retailers use this consistent foot traffic to encourage customers to trade up into premium tiers. By focusing on these daily transactions, stores build a stable financial foundation that complements seasonal peaks.

Shifting Focus to Yield

The strategy delivering the best results involves rationalising slow-moving lines. By replacing underperforming cards with high-margin trending gifts, newsagents are proving they can sell more by carrying less.

This approach requires active in-store engagement. Local activations, such as competitions, give customers a reason to browse the card department when they might not have otherwise planned to. These small interactions turn a routine visit into a purchasing opportunity.

Reclaiming Control of Your Floor Space

As a retailer, you pay for the floor space and the inventory. It is essential that you manage these assets rather than handing control to a supplier. The newsagencies achieving the best results are those that avoid long-term, lock-in contracts.

Supplier interests do not always align with your specific business needs. When you maintain control of your data and your displays, you can make decisions that benefit your unique situation. Success starts with your engagement. Review your data, identify your least productive pockets, and reclaim your retail space.