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newsXpress Margaret River awarded at WANA ceremony

Andrew & Tanya Wagner and their team at newsXpress Margaret River were rewarded for their progressive business acumen by being named as ‘New Technology’ newsagent of the year at the recent WANA Awards Night.

This award catapults them into contention for the National award in the same category to be announced at a Gala Event in Fremantle later this month as part of the 2010 Industry Convention. We wish them all the best. Andrew and Tanya on the right are pictured with Neville Roedinger, WANA State Manager after accepting their award.

Father’s Day at newsXpress Kin Kora

The team at newsXpress Kin Kora are no strangers to their promotional displays being highlighted on this blog, and a quick search would illustrate the amazing talent they have in this area. Their Father’s Day display for 2010 is no exception to this rule, and Sarah Coombs and her team have again cross promoted some of the major categories, Books, Confectionary, Gifts and Cards to great effect.

They have already recorded significantly increased sales for books based on last year’s results, and the Hallmark Sound Cards (featured left) are walking out of the door! With the right amount of stock on display and an inviting promotional strategy, they are primed for a big rush leading up to Sunday’s big day!

Father’s Day Promotion at newsXpress Whitford City

The team at newsXpress Whitford City have strongly supported the WA exclusive Father’s Day Television promotion with fantastic in-store support.

The advert features three outstanding book titles, ‘How to Catch Fish and Cook it‘, ‘Peter Howard’s BBQ Collection‘, & ‘The History of Australian True Crime‘, at massive savings off the RRP with many more great titles in store.

Each customer who purchases a book at any Western Australian newsXpress store during this promotion receives an entry into the draw to win a magnificent weekend getwaway for two to the beautiful, Riverglen Chalets in Margaret River.

Father’s Day TV commercial in Western Australia

Ten newsXpress stores in our Western Australian market, have come together and produced a TVC supporting the newsXpress Father’s Day Book promotion. The newsXpress support team have worked feverishly with our production company, utilising their local area marketing experience to accomplish a professional sales advert which will hopefully achieve the dual goals of driving traffic into stores and promoting the brand in the WA marketplace.

The TVC will run for the next two weeks on channels 7, 9, 10 and Win throught WA. We have been able to negotiate some great timeslots during the promotional period including the high rating Today Show and 9am news on Network 10.

This TVC features a special bonus to viewers, purchase any book in-store during the duration of the campaign and receive entry into the draw to win a fantastic accomodation package at the luxurious Riverglen Chalets, situated in beautiful Margaret River. The prize was kindly donated by Andrew and Tany Wagner of newsXpress Margaret River and is as much a nod to their generosity as it is to their belief and trust in the benefits of the newsXpress group.

The Best Book Deals for the Best Dad…Yours! – only at newsXpress!

Elvis sighting at newsXpress Sarina

The team at newsXpress Sarina started an ‘ELVIS DAY’ tradition a few years ago by creating an in-store celebration on the 16th of August – the date of Elvis’ “disappearance” in 1977. They have a variety of Elvis related products on sale and went to the next big step this year by actually having the King in-store on the day.

They have promoted this event almost exclusively through their Facebook page which now has over 800 friends, and passing on hints to customers in store. The local paper, the Daily Mercury, will also be running a story about this fun event in their social pages, along with newsXpress preferred supplier, Gibson Unity featuring the event and products for sale in their upcoming newsletter.

Without doubt the highlight was owner, Mark Petersen in full Elvis garb and performing along to the ‘Around the clock’ Elvis hits through the store’s sound system all day. The response from customers has been outstanding and many were spied tapping their feet or singing along to the classics such as ‘Jailhouse Rock’, or ‘A little less conversation’. The team enthused by this outcome plan to make an even bigger event of the day next year, inviting particiaption from other lcoal businesses.

New product range an instant hit at newsXpress Wetherill Park

newsXpress has brought on a large number of new preferred suppliers in the past three months to provide a wider range of products and opportunities for their members to add to their retail mix. One such supplier, Jacman Designs who produce named gifts & novelty products were initially treated with apprehension by newsXpress Wetherill Park.

However, Ginella and her team decided to trial them based on some previous success with newsXpress supported suppliers and installed a spinner late last week. In just over 7 days they had sold no less than 107 units at $7.99 each, an outstanding success in any measure of this result.

They now believe these are a huge hit and the sales figures certainly back this up, and encourage other newsXpress members to give them a try as they could work in almost all locations!

newsXpress Wetherill Park shows their support for the Socceroos!

newsXpress Wetherill Park have embraced the retail opportunity presented by the World Cup this winter and have ordered some fantastic Australian supporter merchandise including plush Kangaroos, Soccer Balls, towels and Flags!

Coupled with their merchandising and promotion of soccer themed magazines, and the newsXpress A1 landscape Posters they have created an exciting destination for all things World Cup for their customers.

This is the kind of retail theatre newsXpress applauds and promotes as it brings together items from multiple categories. In this case it is magazines, support items and gifts. Shoppers are more likely to notice and buy from this display than the regular display of the items on offer.

Well done to the team at newsXpress Wetherill Park responsible for this display!

World Cup Fever comes to newsXpress Ascot Vale

newsXpress Ascot Vale have taken advantage of the great newsXpress POS as well as utilising The Sunday Age ‘car flag’ giveaway and the vast range of Soccer World Cup publications themselves to promote the world’s largest sporting event commencing tonight in South Africa.

With the eyes of the world glued to the telecast, newsXpress newsagents have profitted by strongly merchandising soccer themed magazines and related product, some have even reported sales exceeding $1,500.00 for magazines, a monumental result!

Diane and Kylie have done a great job promoting this historic event, and have transformed their front window with a magnificent World Cup theme. They also expect a strong boost tomorrow on the eve of Australia’s opening game against Germany and the release of a $2.00 Socceroo supporter scarf with the Herald Sun.

Supporting sport leads to sales at newsXpress Sarina

After the impressive story on this blog about newsXpress Sarina‘s NRL State of Origin in-store merchandising they have reported back sales in excess of $4,000 in the lead up to game 1!

This is a magnificent result and they expect a similar outcome for game 2, Wednesday June 16 as the game is being played in Queensland. This story once again confirms the great opportunity small businesses have in engaging and promoting events that are likely to gain immense support in their local markets. Sport is a particularly strong driver of this retail success as a large percentage of Australians are passionate about their team.

Pictured to the left is the newsXpress POS provided to all stores for local printing to promote the 30th year of State of Origin battles.

Local Mandurah Man Wins Toyota in newsXpress National Competition

newsXpress Silver Sands owner Phil Foo was overjoyed a local customer (Chris Smith and his wife, Helen are regulars and shop in his store every week) had won the grand prize in the newsXpress ‘Back to Work’ promotion, exclaiming “It’s amazing that his name was pulled out of the draw after purchasing a chocolate bar and scratchie from my shop”.

Foo further explained “I couldn’t be happier with the result, Chris & Helen are great local people and obviously my team did a great job of suggesting they fill out an entry form“.

Trent Shields, newsXpress Marketing Manager added “this was our first ‘Back to Work’ promotion and to have received over 50,000 entries nationwide far exceeded our expectations and clearly justifies our decision to support members in this promotional event“. “To be able to give away a car to a lucky newsXpress customer is the cream on the cake!”

A beaming Smith (pictured left) remarked “the win could not have come at a better time as our current vehicle was on its last legs“. In complete contrast “the Toyota Yaris drives like a dream, with all the capabilities and and conforts of a big car – Helen enjoys it so much she has pinched it off me!“.

newsXpress gives away a Toyota Yaris!

The culmination of the great newsXpress ‘Back to Work‘ promotion occurred over the past few days in Mandurah, about an hour south of Perth, WA, when Chris Smith (also of Mandurah) was handed the keys to his brand new red Toyota Yaris 3 door hatchback by newsXpress Silver Sands owner, Philip Foo.

With 8 fantastic Southern Cross Bicycles and 5 Apple iPhones already presented to other big newsXpress winners, the shiny red Toyota stood out like a beacon in the morning sunshine as Phil excitedly greeted Chris with the keys like a long lost friend. (Pictured left)

Chris himself was absolutely rapt and his excitement was palpable as he recalled this was his only entry into the nationwide competition for the newsagency channels biggest ever prize, “I only entered the competition out of chance after seeing the entry form in-store and being prompted to enter by a staff member“.

Chris and his wife Helen are forever indebted to newsXpress Silver Sands, Phil and his team of customer service experts for his huge windfall, and he also made a point to pass on his sincere thanks to Graham at Big Rock Toyota, as well as newsXpress General Manager and National Marketing Manager, Ben Kay & Trent Shields.

Chook Book display at newsXpress Emerald

Sally Murphy at newsXpress Emerald was so inspired after viewing the great dispalys made by newsXpress members, especially the Master Chef one featured in this blog here, that she went out and created a spectacular exhibit of her own!

To promote this month’s issue of Better Homes & Gardens wiht the bonus Chook Book, Sally and team have set a dining table and decorated it wiht chicken statues, and comically some rubber chickens on the plates. In-Store theatre is an important part of the retail business, and being able to creatively and imaginatively express yourself within your merchandise displays is a great step towards success. The gauntlet has now been thrown down to other newsXpress members to outdo each other’s displays.

Book Sale at newsXpress Chancellor Park

Books are quickly becoming an essential and profitable part of all newsXpress businesses. Customer demand for reading is seemingly on the up and by strategically pushing promotions during traditional gift or holiday seasons newsXpress newsagencies are reaping the benefits.

newsXpress Chancellor Park are one such store generating great add on sales or impulse purchases to their regular daily business through simple, clear signage utilising the newsXpress POS (available to all members) and a well stocked and neatly stacked book promotion on a trestle table in a prominent merchandising area of the store.

BTW Winner at newsXpress Southport Park

The marvellous newsXpress Back to Work promotion is still reaping benfits for stores with newsXpress Southport Park recently presenting a winning prizze to a lucky customer.

Daniel Robertson (right in the photo) was exceited as he received a 26″ Women’s MkII Comfort Bike from Southern Cross cycles simply with the purchase of a ream of paper! Natasha Sanchez from newsXpress Southport Park (left in the photo) was almost as thrilled as Daniel at the presentation ceremony.

First Division Lotto Prize at newsXpress Lutwyche

The team at newsXpress Lutwyche are still celebrating the sale of a winning First Division prize in Saturday Gold Lotto earlier this month for one lucky customer. While obviously not reaping the financial benefits, newsagents gain enormous pride and excitement about positively impacting the lives of their local customers in this manner.

The enthusiasm can become infectious attracting new customers to purchase lottery products from a 'lucky' store. Featured below are LEFT: Louise (daughter of owners Judy & Brian) & RIGHT: Judy and Sarah (Team member) enjoying the spoils of this tremendous goodwill event.

Supplier Deals at Brisbane Members Meetings

A key feature of our regular member meetings other than group discussions about new marketing initiatives, the sharing of business ideas and networking is the presentation of supplier offers and deals, some exclusive to newsXpress.

A range of products for Father’s Day, Christmas and general sale from preferred suppliers such as Cheeki Trading, Ikon Collectibles, Hallmark and Arlec was presented and keenly sought by members as they recognised the value of group trading terms and ‘new money’ categories.

The photo to the left shows several Queensland members milling around a table of sample products, the important part of this interaction is the ability to see and feel the product rather than purchase blind from a catalogue or on a sales reps advice.

Margaret River 2010 Cow Parade

Margaret River are currently hosting the famed 2010 Cow Parade and newsXpress Margeret River have created a simple colouring in competition for kids to take advantage of the interest , tourists and theatre in town.

Colouring In competitions are an easy way to engage wiht customers as kids will often dictate their parents buying behavoiur – a good experience for the children will almost certainly ensure repeat custom frm the parents.

Well done to Andrew and Tanya and the team for identifying and benefiting from a local opportunity.

Amazing Stationery Transformation at newsXpress Riverlink

newsXpress Riverlink recently undertook the massive job of relaying their stationery department to present a more cohesive and professional retail offer. Through consultation with newsXpress National Merchandise Manager, Rob Henderson, the purchase and installation of new multi-purpose fixturing and the implementation of several preferred supplier plannograms, the results are stunning.

BEFORE:

AFTER:

The clean lines of the slatwall, branding on the red bulkhead, newsXpress POS and generally well ordered line up of (from left to right): HOT ink!, Pens, UHU, Crayola, Canson, and associated product is a credit ot Belinda and her team. It requires time and effort to produce these type of results, but the outcome surely proves the great worth of undertaking relays in your store. Contact the newsXpress Support Team or your BDM if you would like to make a change in your business today.

State of Origin in full flight at newsXpress Redcliffe

The team at newsXpress Redcliffe are expectantly awaiting the start of State of Origin battle tonight, and have made a clear distinction of where their loyalties lie. Amy the Cane Toad and Hannah the Cockroach (left) lead the supportfor their respective teams in what is certain to be a typically bruising affair.

Sporting events are a perfect way for small businesses to engage their local community, dressing up the staff, decorating the store, or selling merchandise it is a strategy squarely aimed at the Australian obsession with sport, and none is more fervent than the northerners and their love of Rubgy’s biggest stage!

State of Origin ‘Fever’ at newsXpress Sarina

The major event on the NRL Calendar kicks off this Wednesday in 3D for those with the technology. This series is far and away the most hotly anticipated clash of the season and some extra impetus this year has been added by a desperate NSW Cockroach team hell-bent on preventing the QLD Maroons from claiming a record equalling fifth consecutive series win.

A number of newsXpress stores in the Northern states create great theatre in-store to capitalise on rabid interest from patriotic fans. newsXpress Sarina have built a multi-location display in their newsagency, highlighted by the QLD Shrine featured in the photo to the left. Merchandise and supporter gear have been coupled with the newsXpress posters to create a magnificent homage to the game.