The first few months of 2026 have moved quickly. For newsagents, the retail landscape is shifting beneath our feet. To stay ahead, we must be proactive.
Waiting for “normal” to return is not a strategy. Here are five things every newsagent should consider urgent for their business today.
1. Prepare for the Surcharge Ban
The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) has set a deadline. From 1 October 2026, card surcharging will be banned. This might feel like a while away, but the financial impact starts now.
You need to review your margins today. Determine if you will absorb these costs or build them into your shelf prices. Waiting until September will be too late to adjust your strategy without hurting your bottom line.
2. Shift from “Agent” to “Retailer”
The traditional newsagency model is under pressure. Relying on low-margin commissions from third-party suppliers is no longer enough. The most successful newsXpress members are those who think like gift and specialty retailers.
Audit your shop floor. Look for “dead zones” occupied by slow-moving legacy products. Replace them with high-margin, unique giftware or niche artisan lines. You need to own your inventory and your profit.
3. Secure Your Digital Front Door
Cyber attacks on small businesses are rising. Your POS software is your most important tool. If you are running an older version, your business is at risk.
Treat software updates as a priority, not an annoyance. These updates often contain critical security patches that protect your customer data and your bank account. Ensure your digital defences are as strong as your physical ones.
4. Stop the Profit Leaks
In a high-inflation environment, every dollar counts. Profit leakage often happens silently. Two major culprits are dead stock and employee theft.
Be ruthless with stock that hasn’t moved in 90 days. Mark it down and move it out. Simultaneously, review your internal security procedures. Even small losses at the register can add up to thousands of dollars over a year.
5. Maximise Your Staff Efficiency
Labour is likely your biggest expense. Every hour on your roster must deliver value. This doesn’t mean working your team harder, but working them smarter.
Use modern tools, including AI, to handle repetitive tasks like social media drafting or basic reporting. This frees up your best people to be on the floor. Their primary job is to engage with customers and drive impulse sales at the counter.
The newsagents who thrive in 2026 will be those who take action today. Don’t let these priorities sit on your to-do list. Start with one and build your momentum.
Need help navigating these changes? Reach out to the newsXpress team for strategic advice tailored to your specific location.
…
newsXpress supports small local independent retailers to thrive. Find out more at help@newsxpress.com.au.
