Author: mark

I am a Director of newsXpress, a marketing group for newsagents keen for a bright future. You can reach me on +61 418 321 338 or mark[at]towersystems.com.au

2025 Charity Boxed Christmas cards send love and do good

The 2025 Charity Boxed Christmas cards are  wonderful, supporting so many good Aussie charities that do such good work.

Supporting Kids help Line, Breast cancer Network, the McGrath Foundation, jeans for Genes and more the charity boxed Christmas cards we offer are a wonderful double-value purchase.

If you send Christmas cards in or for business: sending a charity Christmas card is a thoughtful way to express gratitude to clients and partners while reinforcing a commitment to corporate social responsibility. Our premium boxed sets offer a range of professional and elegant designs that convey quality and sincerity. Each purchase contributes directly to registered Australian charities, allowing your organisation’s seasonal message to have a tangible, positive impact. This simple choice reflects your company’s values and connects with stakeholders in a more meaningful way during the holiday period.

For individuals, consider extending the spirit of giving with our curated collection of charity boxed Christmas cards. This presents a meaningful opportunity to share season’s greetings with friends, family, and colleagues while providing vital support to Australian charitable organisations. A portion of the proceeds from every box sold is directed towards important community programs and initiatives, making each card sent a gesture of genuine goodwill and support. Our selection at www.myornaments.com.au features high-quality card stock and a diverse range of tasteful designs suitable for both personal and corporate use.

Each card is beautifully designed in Australia, featuring a delightful array of themes from classic festive scenes to charming native flora and fauna. By choosing these cards, you are not only sending warm wishes to your loved ones but also making a meaningful contribution to respected Australian charities such as Beyond Blue, the Starlight Children’s Foundation, and the Peter MacCallum Cancer Foundation. It’s a thoughtful way to celebrate the spirit of giving and make a positive impact within the community.

Here’s an example of how supporting one charity these cards support:  Breast Cancer Network Australia – Breast Cancer Network Australia (BCNA) is the nation’s leading consumer organisation for Australians personally affected by breast cancer. Founded in 1998, BCNA works to ensure that everyone diagnosed receives the very best support, information, treatment, and care. Represented by the iconic Pink Lady silhouette, the organisation provides free, trusted resources like the My Care Kit, hosts an online network for peer-to-peer connection, and runs a confidential helpline. BCNA advocates on behalf of its extensive network to influence policy and create a stronger healthcare system, ensuring the real-world experiences of those with breast cancer are at the centre of decision-making. Their ultimate vision is to provide a better journey for all Australians affected by the disease, making sure no one feels alone.

2025 Tooth Fairy Kit – a perfect gift they’s treasure

The 2025 Tooth fairy Kit from The Royal Australian Mint and out now at www.mintcoinshop.com.au is a wonderful keepsake gift, something they are sure to treasure for years.

here is what this 2025 Too0th Fairy Kit features:

  • Adorable coin design by Aaron Baggio featuring the Tooth Fairy sitting on a mushroom
  • The coin’s obverse features the effigy of His Majesty King Charles III designed by Daniel Thorne
  • Australian legal tender
  • Fun packaging featuring a keepsake drawer and mirror
  • Small drawstring pouch
  • Tooth chart
  • A bamboo toothbrush to encourage youngsters to take care of their smiles
  • A floating glitter pen for a touch of magic

The quality is impeccable. It really is made to last, and be loved.

The 2025 dated coin in the This Tooth Fairy Kit from the Royal Australian Mint. It’s design features the Tooth Fairy playfully perched on a garden mushroom surrounded by flowers.

This is such a wonderful gift.

This beautiful set is centred around the Australian legal tender coin, which features an adorable design by Aaron Baggio of the Tooth Fairy playfully perched on a garden mushroom. The coin’s obverse displays the new effigy of His Majesty King Charles III, as designed by Daniel Thorne. Beyond the coin, the kit comes in fun packaging with a keepsake drawer and mirror. It also includes a small drawstring pouch for safekeeping, a tooth chart to track those milestones, a bamboo toothbrush to encourage healthy smiles, and a floating glitter pen for a touch of magic. With impeccable quality, it is truly made to last and be loved.

The 2025 Tooth Fairy Kit comes well packaged to ensure it arrives at your home safe and sound. Parents tend to order as soon as they know there might be a loose tooth. We ship three days a week. You can even request Express Post if it is more urgent.

The 2025 Tooth Fairy Kit available at www.mintcoinshop.com.au can also be purchased click and collect with pickup from our office at 3A Lynch Street Hawthorn Victoria. We also ship internationally.

Celebrate a cherished childhood milestone with this magical gift. It perfectly captures the wonder of the tooth fairy tradition, creating a treasured memory that will be cherished for years to come.

Shopping for Dad, Grandpa, Pop or a mate this weekend?

Shopping for Dad, Grandpa, Pop or a mate this weekend? 🎁
As you look for that perfect gift, remember that when you step into a local shop, the guy at the counter is probably a local dad, a proud grandpa, or a great mate from right here in our community.
Your support helps their family and keeps our neighbourhood strong. It’s a reminder that everyone, dads, mums, grandparents, and friends, makes our community what it is.
Thank you for choosing local this Father’s Day. It means the world. ❤️

This is the newsXpress difference

Thanks to wonderful support from Australian owned and made Henderson Greetings newsXpress stores across Australia are each giving a lucky local shopper an opportunity to win an awesome prize this Father’s Day. This is part our exclusive to newsXpress year-round Seasonal Edge campaign. To enter, shoppers need to purchase a greeting card, any greeting card. The result is a nice spike in all card sales, not only Father’s Day cards.

Local newsagents are the best shops for cards, any time of the year.

Find the Perfect Father’s Day card at your local newsXpress

For Father’s Day this year, the best place to find your card and gift is your local newsXpress. The reasons are simple: you’ll find a better product range, enjoy a better shopping experience, and make the best choice for your community.

A purchase that supports your community. Buying a Father’s Day card from your local newsXpress is a direct investment in your community. Our stores are locally owned and operated Australian small businesses, often run by families in your suburb. They are the shops that give local kids their first jobs and support community clubs. Shopping with us helps keep your local shopping strip alive.

We are passionate supporters of Australian-made products. When you are choosing a card, we encourage you to turn it over and see where it’s made. At newsXpress, we are proud to sell cards from companies like Henderson Greetings, a Melbourne-based business that has been making quality products in Australia for over 70 years.

A card that gives back. Choosing an Australian-made card can also support a cause close to the hearts of many families. When you purchase a Henderson Greetings Father’s Day card, you are also supporting the incredible work of the McGrath Foundation, helping them place specialist Cancer Care Nurses in communities across the country.

You’ll find a better card. Compared to supermarkets and large department stores, newsXpress offers a superior selection.

  • More designs: We stock cards from multiple companies, giving you a wider variety of styles to choose from.
  • Specific captions: If you need a card for “Grandpa,” “Pop,” “Uncle,” a mentor, or a step-dad, you are far more likely to find it with us.
  • Higher quality: You can feel the difference. The cardstock is often better and the finishes are superior. You can be proud to give a card that feels special.

A simpler shopping experience You can browse our card selection at your leisure in a calm environment. Our staff are there to help if you need it, but they won’t pressure you. For convenience, many of our stores also have gift bundles ready to go, making it a quick and easy stop.

A Father’s Day card is more than just a piece of paper; it’s a keepsake that Dad can look back on for years to come. To find the best selection, be sure to shop early. Visit your local newsXpress and find the perfect way to celebrate Dad this year.

Shop for Squishmallows at your local newsXpress

So many have joined the Squishmallows craze, loving these adorably and cuddly plush like they are family, for life!

Wee are so grateful to offer Squishmallows at newsXpress stores around Australia.

The super-soft, endlessly cuddly and highly collectible plush toys are taking Australia by storm, and for good reason! Whether you’re a seasoned collector hunting for a rare find or looking for the perfect gift, your search might be easier than you think. Your local newsXpress is a fantastic place to find your new favourite friend.

Your local hub for cuddly collectibles

While you might think of heading to a large toy store, your local newsXpress is a treasure trove for Squishmallows. Because our stores are all locally owned, each one has a unique range. This makes visiting your local newsXpress a bit like a treasure hunt—you never know which adorable character you might discover! It’s always worth popping in to see the latest arrivals to the squad.

Shop local, cuddle big

When you buy a Squishmallow from your local newsXpress, you’re doing more than just adding to your collection. You are supporting a local, Australian-owned small business. Your purchase directly supports a family in your community, helps create local jobs, and contributes to a vibrant local shopping strip. It’s a feel-good purchase in every sense.

The perfect All-in-One gift stop

Squishmallows are the perfect gift for birthdays, a get-well-soon present, or just a simple ‘thinking of you’ surprise. The best part about shopping at newsXpress is the convenience. You can find the perfect cuddly character, pick out a matching greeting card, and even grab the gift wrap all in one quick, easy visit.

Ready to find your next cuddly companion? Pop into your local newsXpress today and see which Squishmallows are waiting to be hugged!

The Squishmallows story begins back in 2017, when the first squad of just eight lovable characters was launched. Inspired by the irresistibly cute and soft plush toys of Japan, the goal was to create a unique, marshmallow-like toy that was comforting to hug. Their popularity soared to a global phenomenon, largely thanks to social media platforms like TikTok, where fans and collectors began sharing their squads and hunting adventures. With unique names and personalities for every character, the desire to collect them all began!

How are some newsagents performing better than others

The choice of newsagency software can be the reason some newsagency businesses perform better than others. That, and how the newsagency software is used.

The technology that powers a successful newsagency has changed dramatically in just a few years. The needs of our businesses have evolved, our connections with suppliers are more direct, and the tools at our disposal are more powerful than ever. If your Point of Sale (POS) software is still just processing transactions, you are missing out on a truly transformative business partner.

Modern newsagency software has moved far beyond the basics to deliver efficiencies and create opportunities that directly impact the bottom line.

The AI Game-Changer

The single biggest evolution is the integration of Artificial Intelligence. I use it every day, and I cannot imagine running my business without the embedded AI tools now available. These aren’t science fiction; they are practical, accessible tools that anyone can use to save time and drive revenue.

Tower Systems has been delivering AI tools for newsagents since 2022, putting the Tower newsagency software ahead. Here’s what that looks like in practice:

  • Optimised product listings: Generate SEO-friendly product names and descriptions in seconds, boosting your online visibility and attracting more customers.
  • Strategic content marketing: Create engaging blog posts to promote products and connect with your community, amplifying your marketing reach with minimal effort.
  • Data-informed pricing: Use AI-powered price comparison tools to ensure your strategies remain competitive in a dynamic market.
  • Efficient inventory management: Leverage AI-driven stock forecasting to minimise stockouts, reduce dead stock, and maximise your sales potential.

Streamlining every part of the business

Beyond AI, the everyday efficiencies are profound. I am yet to find a supplier invoice PDF that I can’t import into my system in seconds, saving hours of manual data entry each week. Direct integrations with accounting software reduce overheads and simplify bookkeeping.

Robust e-commerce capabilities are enabling massive growth.

The Tower Systems difference

This level of integration and innovation is why Tower Systems now serves more than 1,800 newsagent customers.

Tower is focused on helping smart, engaged retailers thrive, even in rough waters. If your software isn’t delivering these kinds of tangible benefits, it’s time to ask why.

Take a look at what modern, AI-powered newsagency software can do for your business.

Retail management advice for Australian newsagents: Everyone Can Do Visual Merchandising! Here’s How.

Visual merchandising might sound like a complex retail science, but at its heart, it’s simply about displaying products in a way that attracts people to them, to look, touch and feel. Ultimately, it is about displaying products so you sell more. The best part? Anyone can do it.

The advice we share here today is for people who say I can’t do displays, I don’t know how, never have done one, I am no good at it, I wouldn’t know where to start.

Oh, and while we have written this advice for Australian newsagents, it is advice any retailer could follow.

Anyone can create a successful product display. Successful means a display that results in products being sold.

Here is our advice for creating beautiful, effective displays in your newsagency.

First things first, find your space. Start with a clean, flat surface in a good location within your store. This is your blank canvas.

The best display often looks like a pyramid, with your hero product, the star of the show, at the top of the pyramid. From this hero product, let other complementary products flow down towards the wider base of the display. Be careful not to overcrowd the space; you want customers to clearly see what you want them to see. The goal is a balanced, even look.

If the display is for a particular season or event like Mother’s Day or Christmas, make sure any posters or signs are placed with the display so shoppers can see it without having to look for it.

The best displays have a narrative or purpose. Think of yourself as a curator making editorial choices. A good display is a collection of items from multiple suppliers, categories, and segments that make sense together. This tells a story and allows a shopper to choose several items for a gift or for themselves.

We are not big fans of single product or single supplier displays. While suppliers love them because they act as a billboard for their brand, what suits them will likely not suit you. Your curated collection is far more compelling.

For a display of gifts, always be sure to include greeting cards.

From a colour perspective, a good display has no more than two core colours as its focus. You can use coloured paper to highlight certain products, but don’t go for a full rainbow effect.

While balance is usually key, there are exceptions. A display can look untidy, and that is okay in some circumstances. Imagine a fun, chaotic pile of Beanie Boos looking like they are exploding from a box—it’s eye-catching and fun!

Similarly, if you are promoting homewares, the pyramid approach isn’t necessary. Instead, go for something that looks more natural and relatable, as if the items were styled in a home.

Don’t treat this as an engineering challenge. The key is to keep it simple and fun! Take your time and enjoy the creative process. Remember that mistakes are okay; every display is a learning opportunity. The alternative is no display at all, and anything you create is better than that.

  • Keep it Fresh: Don’t leave a display up for too long. Our advice is one week, or two at the absolute maximum. Knowing a display has a short lifespan helps you allocate the right amount of time to create it. If you’re not sure how long to spend, set yourself a one-hour time limit and get it done.
  • Ask for Feedback: If you are new to this, ask for opinions once you’ve finished a display. Learn from the feedback. Each display will be an improvement on the last.
  • Track the Sales: While the opinions of others can be nice, what truly matters from any display is the sales it achieves for you. Be sure to track this data, as it will inform your future choices and help you understand what your customers respond to.

A final note to others who may be around when someone is creating their first display: we all did our first display once. Be gentle and encouraging.