Category: newsagency management

Running a local small retail business can be tough, and when things feel slow, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. There are plenty of straightforward, cost-free actions you can take right now to improve your situation. Here are 13 to get you started:

1. Engage Your Entire Crew: Make sure everyone on your team understands how the business is tracking, its needs, and the “why” behind it all. Work together to set achievable goals and outline the steps to get there. Keep the communication flowing and track progress openly.

2. Declutter for Clarity: Spend a day decluttering your shop. You’ll be surprised how the act of physically tidying up can help you see potential positive moves for your business. Do it yourself, and then action those insights.

3. Ditch the Dead Weight: Be honest about slow-moving stock. Whether it’s items gathering dust for six months or two years, dead stock is costs space, time and cash. Anything you can recoup is better than its ongoing drain.

4. Reward the Next Visit: Include a discount voucher on customer receipts that encourages a return visit within a short timeframe – say, seven days. This is a quick win, focusing on immediate repeat business rather than long-term loyalty programs. Think of it as a “come back soon” incentive.

5. Know Your Missing Opportunities: Surprisingly, top-selling items often go out of stock. Your POS system can easily identify these missed revenue opportunities. Fix those stock gaps, and you’ll see an immediate impact on your bottom line. Check your “Insights Dashboard” if you’re using our software.

6. Partner with Your Community: Connect with a well-regarded local community group with a strong membership base. Offer their members a discount and consider donating a small percentage of each purchase back to the group. This introduces your business to new customers.

7. Have a Cracking Time on Socials: Social media is for fun! Entertain your audience. Don’t overthink it – show the fun side of your business and share unique knowledge that sets you apart.

8. Embrace the Freebies: Ensure your Google Business and Bing (yes, it still exists!) listings are up-to-date, engaging, and accurate. These free platforms are crucial for local visibility.

9. Trim Payment Costs: Card payment fees can eat into your profits. While surcharging is an option, exploring alternative payment providers could lead to significant savings. Even if you switch, consider still applying a surcharge.

10. Connect via Email: If you have customer email addresses and purchase history, use this valuable data for targeted email campaigns. Personalised communication can drive repeat business.

11. Re-evaluate Your Pricing: Ask yourself: “What price could I realistically sell this item for?”. Your convenient location or lack of nearby competitors might allow for a higher price point. Most POS systems make price adjustments simple.

12. Chat with Your Suppliers: If you’re feeling the pinch, chances are your suppliers are too. Ask if they have any special deals on inventory they need to move. If it’s stock you can easily sell, snap it up for a better profit margin.

13. Set Your Shop Up for Success: Create an environment that encourages spending: * Inside the front door: Feature a new, bright, optimistic, fun, and unexpected display each week. * At the counter: Place impulse-buy items with strong performance and unexpected finds. * Introduce a scent: Use a pleasant incense or candle. * Play happy tunes: Choose familiar music that customers might sing along to. * Temperature control: Make your shop warm in winter and cool in summer. * Keep things fresh: Move at least one product category each week to create a sense of change.

Implementing even a few of these free and easy actions can make a real difference to your local small business. Start today and see the positive impact!

The future of the Australian newsagency channel rests in the hands of 2,800+ local newsagents, local retailers owning and running these local shops. The choices newsagents make within the four walls of their shops determine the prosperity – or otherwise – of the broader channel.

The decisions that will carry the most weight revolve around the products newsagents choose to stock, the narrative newsagents weave for their businesses, and how they approach selling.

newsXpress helps newsagents in each of these areas. What we offer is a unique set of services personalised to each member business, to help then thrive!

Before we delve deeper, let’s be clear about where the future of the Australian newsagency won’t be found. It won’t reside in the traditional staples of newspapers, magazines, lotteries, general convenience items, tobacco, inexpensive gifts, budget toys, or an overwhelming display of impulse-buy products. Competing with discount variety stores is not the path forward.

The future isn’t something that will be delivered on a platter by suppliers. Despite their historical role in shaping our channel, print media businesses, in particular, appear to have little vested interest in our long-term viability.

Across Australia we are already witnessing fellow newsagents successfully tapping into premium and unique markets. They are focusing less on being the cheapest and more on astute margin management. The enduring wisdom of “find a need and fill it” remains powerfully relevant as we evolve our local businesses.

When we talk about products, consider venturing beyond the typical newsagency fare. Imagine stocking clothing, exquisite gifts priced at $300.00 and upwards, carefully curated books (distinct from remaindered stock), quality cookware, and sought-after collectibles that will draw customers from afar. These are likely products that traditional suppliers haven’t considered for our channel.

Familiar categories like stationery, greeting cards, and other staples will continue to play a part. Their ongoing success, however, will hinge on your discerning selection and intelligent pricing strategies that account for the cost of carrying them. For instance, simply selling stationery to someone who needs it is one thing; catering to someone who truly appreciates and loves stationery presents a far more valuable opportunity, in my opinion.

Remember, there are no prescribed limits or rules. What you choose to sell is dictated by your own creativity and how you present it to your customers.

By narrative, we refer to the underlying story of your business – the compelling “why” that resonates with potential customers. If you simply operate as a shopkeeper placing items on shelves, you’re missing a crucial element. As a retailer committed to a narrative, you enable customers to understand your business’s values, enjoy being within your space, and desire your offerings because the narrative fosters trust and connection.

You cultivate this narrative through your product selection, your in-store merchandising, your social media presence, your website content, and your own personal engagement with your products and customers.

The key to a successful narrative is its capacity to evolve alongside you, the passage of time, and the changing needs of your local community.

The “how” of selling encompasses when and where you sell. In today’s retail landscape, having a robust online presence is no longer optional – it’s essential. If you’re not selling online, you’re operating with a significant blind spot, unaware of the opportunities you’re missing.

Now, if this sounds like a radical departure from the norm, it’s not intended to be. We are currently immersed in an era of experiential retail, where customers seek to feel and experience their purchases. This is where your narrative truly shines. A basic writing pad in a generic newsagency is just that – a writing pad. The very same writing pad in a store with a compelling narrative can command greater attention and a higher price point.

The more your physical shop and your online presence can evoke emotion and create a memorable experience, the greater your chances of success.

Ultimately, the future of the Australian newsagency lies in our collective ability to be sharp, engaged, and innovative. Each of you has the power to transform your individual shop into a thriving local business. It’s unlikely that this will result in a uniform channel, but that’s perfectly acceptable. What truly matters is that you build a locally powerful business that also attracts online shoppers who connect with your unique offering.

To those who choose not to act, who resist change, we wish you all the best. The era of the traditional newsagency is drawing to a close. Time will inevitably catch up, leading to a contraction in the number of newsagency rooftops. While the exact figure is uncertain, current trends suggest a potential loss of 150 to 200 businesses in the next year alone.

For those eager to embrace change, know that there is a supportive community within the channel ready to assist where we can. Reach out. Together, we can ensure the continued relevance and success of our vital local retail businesses, regardless of the diversity of our products and services or what we choose to call ourselves.

Footnote: Some may argue that the traditional “newsagency” name is no longer relevant. While the core product of “news” may have diminished in significance, the name itself matters less than the actual experience your shop offers. It’s akin to the saying, “a picture is worth a thousand words.” What your shop demonstrates itself to be is far more impactful than its name. That being said, Australian newsagencies, being inherently local businesses, are arguably best served by a name that holds local resonance, rather than an impersonal national brand.

Second footnote: Reflecting on what has been written, we acknowledge that a definitive prediction has not been offered. This is because a singular “channel” future is unlikely, and there’s no way to foresee the individual choices each business will make.

In the dynamic world of small business retail, profitability isn’t just a desirable outcome – it’s absolutely paramount. It’s about more than just seeing a positive balance today; it’s about diligently constructing a robust foundation for sustained growth and enhanced future value. At newsXpress, we appreciate the significance of profit and its direct influence on the overall worth of your newsagency.

Here is why profit matters:

Immediate Financial Gain: Profit provides an immediate boost to your business’s financial health, placing crucial funds directly into your account. This empowers you with the resources necessary to reinvest in your operations, manage essential bills, and, importantly, enjoy the rewards of your hard work.

Future Value Proposition: A consistently profitable business is undeniably more appealing to prospective buyers. When the time comes for you to consider selling your newsagency, a strong and demonstrable profit record can significantly elevate its market value.

Here’s how newsXpress supports local newsagents on their profit journey

At newsXpress, our commitment lies in empowering you to maximise your newsagency’s profitability. We focus on a range of key business areas, from astute inventory management to fostering meaningful customer engagement. Here’s a glimpse into how we can contribute to your ongoing success:

Inventory Management: We assist you in optimising your stock levels through insightful analysis of product turnover rates. This enables you to identify opportunities for cost reduction and enhanced operational efficiency.

Supplier Relationships: Our extensive network of preferred suppliers offers you access to competitive pricing, exclusive product lines, and exciting first-to-market opportunities.

Central Billing: Our streamlined central billing program provides you with advantageous delayed billing terms, thereby improving your vital cash flow.

Training and Guidance: Our practical, shop-floor focused training and guidance are designed to help you achieve tangible improvements in inventory turnover, enhance your return on investment, optimise your valuable floor space, and boost labour productivity.

The advantage of being part of the newsXpress community.

By choosing to partner with newsXpress, you can look forward to a range of significant benefits, including:

Increased Profitability: Our carefully developed strategies and comprehensive resources are specifically designed to help you strengthen your bottom line.

Enhanced Business Value: A consistently profitable newsagency naturally becomes a more valuable asset when you eventually decide to sell.

Access to Exclusive Opportunities: Our well-established network of preferred suppliers opens doors to unique products and early access to innovative new offerings.

Improved Efficiency: Our targeted training and ongoing guidance can help you streamline your day-to-day operations and effectively reduce costs.

Profitability forms the very bedrock of your newsagency’s ongoing success and long-term sustainability. By collaborating with newsXPress, you gain access to the essential tools, valuable resources, and dedicated support you need to drive profitability and, ultimately, maximise the inherent value of your business.

No matter the size of your newsagency or whether you are located in the city or country or in a shopping centre or on the high street, newsXpress is here to support you on the big and small opportunity cities and challenges you face in your business. How can we help you?

Please remember that all initiatives and offerings from newsXpress are entirely optional. You always retain complete control over every decision made within and for your local retail business.

Whether you’ve got a traditional newsagency or you’ve already made some changes, understanding your current position is absolutely essential. It’s the very first thing newsXpress focuses on when working alongside newsagents.

Think of it this way: having a clear picture of your business’s present state is the solid ground upon which everything else will be built. It involves taking a thoughtful and thorough look at your operation from all angles. So, what information will be most helpful? Here’s what we consider important:

• A profit and loss statement that reflects the current situation.
• Up-to-date reports on who currently owes money to the business (your debtors) and who the business currently owes money to (your creditors).
• A comprehensive list of all outstanding amounts owed to the business, both through formal invoices and any less formal arrangements.
• A recent stocktake that provides the total value of all the stock you currently hold.
• A specific listing of any stock that hasn’t sold for six months or more (often referred to as dead stock), along with its total value.
• A floor plan of your newsagency that indicates the gross profit percentage generated by each product department or category, as well as the amount of floor space allocated to each.
• The total number of hours rostered per week for all staff members, including yourself, and the total revenue generated per hour.
• A comparison of your revenue across different product categories for the past six months when compared to the same six-month period in the previous year.

While a desire for change is good, it’s equally important to have a clear understanding of your business’s present circumstances and its capacity to accommodate change. The information outlined above will highlight immediate opportunities and provide insight into your ability to invest in making those changes. This is always the initial step in any business transformation we undertake together.

When you’re reviewing this data, we suggest focusing on identifying some achievable early wins to help build momentum. For example, if you find you have, say, $10,000 or more tied up in dead stock that has already been paid for, consider making a concerted effort to move it. Freeing up that capital and the physical space it occupies can have a surprisingly positive impact on your business. Perhaps setting up a designated clearance area with a consistent, reasonable discount, such as 50%, could be a good approach.

As you’re addressing the dead stock, take some time to carefully analyse the rest of your data. This will help you understand your current performance across different areas and identify potential opportunities within your existing product categories. This deeper understanding will provide a thoughtful direction for your initial steps forward.

As you gently explore the data, make notes of any ideas or specific actions that come to mind. You might just uncover some valuable opportunities that you hadn’t previously considered.

Some retailers find it helpful to seek advice from accountants or business consultants. While this can certainly be a valuable resource, it’s wise to ensure that anyone you consult has current, practical retail experience within the newsagency industry specifically.

Remember, this is ultimately your business. You are the one guiding the process of change and transformation. Embrace that ownership.

Begin by gathering this essential data, gently streamlining your operations where possible, and building a strong, clear understanding of your current position. This will thoughtfully prepare you for more significant and rewarding developments in the future.

newsXpress is here to help.

Whether your newsagency is traditional or you’ve already made some changes, knowing where you stand is absolutely vital. And that starts with your data. This is where newsXpress starts when it works with newsagents on transforming their businesses.

Understanding your business’s current position is the bedrock for what comes next. This means taking a good hard look at your business from all angles. Here’s what you need:

• An up-to-date profit and loss statement
• Current debtors and creditors reports
• A list of all outstanding money owed to the business, both formal and informal
• A stocktake with total value
• A dead stock listing (items unsold for six months or more) with total value
• A floor plan showing gross profit percentage by product department or category and floor space allocation
• Total rostered hours per week, including owners, and revenue per hour
• A revenue comparison by category for the past six months compared to the same period last year

Wanting change is one thing, but knowing your business’s current state and capacity for change is another. The information above will highlight immediate opportunities and your ability to invest in changes. This is the starting point for any business transformation I work on.

When reviewing this data, I suggest focusing on some quick wins to get the ball rolling. For example, if you’ve got $10,000 or more tied up in dead stock that’s already paid for, get rid of it! Freeing up that cash and space will do wonders for your business. Set up a clearance area and apply a consistent discount, like 50%.

While you’re tackling the dead stock, analyse the rest of your data to understand current performance and spot potential opportunities within your existing categories. This will give you a good direction for your initial steps.

As you dig into the data, jot down a list of ideas and action items. You might just uncover some previously overlooked opportunities.

Some retailers get advice from accountants or business consultants. While this can be helpful, make sure they have current, hands-on retail experience in your specific industry.

Remember, this is your business. You’re the one driving the change and transformation. Own the process!

Start by gathering the data, streamlining your business, and building a solid foundation. This will set you up for bigger and better things down the track.

We are writing this to newsagents:

The future of your Australian newsagency is in your hands. You, the owner of one of the 2,800 or so retail businesses that make up this vital channel, hold the key to its success. The decisions you make in your individual business will determine not only your own future, but the future of the entire network.

And those decisions hinge on three crucial elements: your product selection, the narrative you weave around your business, and, of course, how you sell.

Let’s be clear: the future of the Australian newsagency isn’t tied to the old staples of newspapers, magazines, lotteries, or even the convenience items and cheap gifts that once defined the channel. Competing with discount variety stores is a losing game. Nor will salvation come from suppliers, particularly print media businesses, who, despite their historical role, seem to have little vested interest in our future.

The good news is, we’re already seeing innovative newsagents across the country reaping the rewards of focusing on premium, unique products. They’re not obsessing over the lowest price point, but instead, they’re smart about margins and embracing the age-old wisdom of “find a need and fill it.”

Think beyond the traditional newsagency offerings. Imagine stocking clothing, high-end gifts (think $300 and beyond), carefully curated books (not just remaindered titles), quality cookware, or highly sought-after collectibles. These are the kinds of products that will draw customers in from far and wide, products that many suppliers might not even associate with our channel today.

Of course, everyday items like stationery and greeting cards will still play a part, but their success will depend on your savvy purchasing and pricing strategies. Consider this: selling stationery to someone who needs it is one thing, but selling to someone who loves it? That’s a whole different ball game, and a much more profitable one.

The beauty of this new landscape? There are no borders, no rules, no boundaries. What you sell is limited only by your imagination and how you present it.

Then there’s your narrative. This is the story of your business, the “why” that resonates with your customers. A shopkeeper simply puts products on shelves. A retailer with a compelling narrative builds trust and connection. Customers understand your values, they love being in your space, and they want what you offer.

Your narrative is woven through your product selection, your in-store displays, your social media presence, your website, and, most importantly, your own personal interactions with your customers. But remember, your narrative isn’t static. It needs to evolve with you, with the times, and with your local community.

Finally, let’s talk about how you sell. In today’s world, having a strong online presence is absolutely essential. If you’re not online, you’re missing out on a world of opportunities.

We’re living in an age of immersive retail, where customers crave experiences and emotional connections. This is where your narrative truly shines. A writing pad in a basic newsagency is just a writing pad. But that same writing pad in a store with a strong narrative? It becomes something more, something desirable, something worth paying a little extra for.

The more your shop, both physical and online, engages your customers’ senses and emotions, the greater your success will be.

The future of the Australian newsagency rests on our collective ability to be smart, engaged, and creative. It’s about each of us making our own shop the best it can be. The result won’t be a uniform channel, and that’s perfectly fine. What matters is that you build a thriving business that resonates locally and online.

To those who resist change, who cling to the past, I say farewell. The old-school newsagency is fading fast. Time will inevitably catch up. This means we’ll likely see a reduction in the number of newsagencies over the next year.

But to those who are ready to embrace the future, know that you’re not alone. Many of us in the channel are eager to help and support each other. Reach out, connect, and let’s work together to ensure the continued relevance and success of our vital local businesses, no matter how diverse our product mix or what we choose to call ourselves.

A final thought: While some might argue that the “news” in newsagency is no longer relevant, the name itself isn’t the most critical factor. It’s what your shop shows itself to be that truly matters. That being said, a locally relevant name often resonates more than a generic national one.

And finally, we haven’t made a concrete prediction here  about the future of the channel. Deeper thoughts about this are for more private discussion.

Media coverage in 2024 surrounding the closure of a couple of newsagencies unfortunately painted a bleak and inaccurate picture of the entire newsagency sector. Attributing the decline solely to the waning popularity of print media is a simplistic and false portrayal of the reality facing many newsagencies today.

While it’s undeniable that print media consumption is changing, this doesn’t necessarily translate to widespread newsagency closures. In fact, many newsagencies are successfully navigating this evolving landscape by adapting their offerings and embracing new opportunities.

The truth is, newsagencies are more than just places to buy newspapers and magazines. They are community hubs, offering a diverse range of products and services that cater to the evolving needs of their customers.

So, how can newsagencies thrive in this changing environment?

• Embrace the Power of Social Media:

  • Showcase your uniqueness: Go beyond traditional product categories like magazines and lottery tickets. Highlight your exciting range of gifts, clothing, books, and toys.
  • Share your passion: Celebrate local Australian products and express your gratitude for the support of your community.
  • Build relationships: Engage with your customers by responding to comments and messages.

• Revamp Your In-Store Experience:

  • Create a visual spectacle: Make your window display a focal point. Feature unexpected and eye-catching products to entice passersby.
  • Surprise and delight: Introduce product categories that customers wouldn’t typically associate with a newsagency.
  • Keep it fresh: Regularly refresh your displays to maintain interest and encourage repeat visits.

• Elevate Your Counter Offerings:

  • Replace the mundane: Swap out traditional counter items like chewing gum with more enticing and impulse-buyable products.
  • Curate a unique selection: Offer a range of products that complement your overall store aesthetic and appeal to your target audience.

• Go Beyond the Expected:

  • Feature unexpected product categories: Dedicate a section of your store to unique and surprising offerings.
  • Embrace a “treasure hunt” approach: Encourage customers to explore your store and discover hidden gems.

The Importance of differentiation

The key to success lies in offering a unique and differentiated product mix. Explore new suppliers, attend industry events outside your usual circles, and embrace the unexpected.

It’s crucial to remember that the decline of print media (currently estimated at 10-12% per year) is not the primary driver of newsagency closures. In many cases, closures are due to factors like lease expirations or the need for a career change.

The most significant factor is irrelevance. If your newsagency doesn’t offer products and services that resonate with your local community, it will struggle to survive.

By embracing change and focusing on providing a unique and valuable customer experience, newsagencies can not only survive but thrive in today’s competitive market. It requires dedication and hard work, but the future of your business is ultimately in your hands. Let’s push back against the negative narratives and demonstrate the true potential of the modern newsagency.

newsXpress helps local newsagents run businesses they enjoy, businesses that deliver value to the owners and all who rely on the them for income.

newsXpress is a privately owned company. We have been in business since 2001. We are a marketing group.

We’re not a franchise. Nothing we pitch is mandatory. We do not charge a fee based on your turnover.

Corporately, we are newsXpress Pty Ltd, ABN 99 098 073 833.

Our head office team is small:

Managing Director: Mark Fletcher. Also owns Tower Systems. Has owned newsagencies since February 1996.

Retail and online strategy and management: Anthony Suta. Anthony has 17 years retail experience in physical and online retail.

Supplier manager and retail mentor: Jennifer Searle. Jennifer has 30+ years retail experience including running her own shops.

Data analyst and retail mentor: Michael Elvey. Michael has 27 years tech, data analysis and retail shop floor experience.

Corporate store manager and retail mentor: Guy Coles. Guy has 20 years retail experience in local indie and national corporate retail.

Corporate store manager and retail mentor: Chris Farrell. Chris has 13 years retail experience including specialty visual merchandising skills.

In addition to running the newsXpress head office and providing member advice, support and services we also run related businesses:

Physical shops in Victoria and several group and corporate owned online businesses.

It’s easy to say no to a website if you don’t have one because you don’t know what you don’t know. It’s also easy if you had one in the past and it failed.

Most websites don’t work. Smart people use a failure to do better next time.

Core to website success is filling needs and wants. While needs and wants are quite different, they compel good online business.

Here are the top reasons why we think every retail business needs a website:

1. Capture sales when you are closed. Typically, more than 50% of online purchases are then the brick and mortar business is closed.
2. Engage when you are closed. Use chat to answer questions from anywhere, or you geek-out and have an AI chatbot do this.
3. Reach people not currently shopping with you. Typically, 75% of sales are from people located nowhere near your shop.
4. Have a second outlet for quitting stock.
5. Have a place where you can experiment.
6. Playing with a plan Bin case your shop finds itself in choppy waters.
7. To learn. A website, especially your first website, teaches you so much: What people want. What they could pay. Haw awful some people are.
8. To get you out of a rut. If you’ve been in your shop for ages and are mailing it in each day, a website could put a spring in your step.
9. To make your shop more valuable. Having a website can make your shop more appealing when you decide to sell.
10. To find a secondary brand. Could be the first step in a shop rebrand.
11. To drive traffic to the shop. People will find products on your website and visit as a result, for sure.
12. To give you another source of revenue that is completely unrelated to anything you do in your shop.
13. To harvest email addresses. Email marketing from Shopify is a breeze.

Having a website gives people a landing page from your Facebook, Instagram and TikTok posts. This is important.

We love questions from prospective newsXpress members. here are some common questions we are asked, and our answers:

Is newsXpress a franchise? No.

Do you have exclusive supplier deals? Yes, plenty.

Will you show me your supplier terms before I join? No.

My shop is small, is that okay? Size is not a factor.

Can you help me sell online? Yes.

Do you offer a benchmark against which I can compare my performance? Yes.

Do you offer a strategy for attracting more shoppers? Yes.

Is there anything from newsXpress that is mandatory? No.

Do you visit our shop? It’s 100% up to you.

Do we change the name of our business? Not unless you want to.

Do we need to put a new sign up? No, it’s up to you.

Do we have to wear a uniform? No, not unless you want to.

Does newsXpress pay for signage? Not for the shop. We do provide members with wonderful seasonal posters.

What if I sell my business? Your agreement with newsXpress ends.

Do you run catalogues? Yes, but not the old-school Christmas, back to School and Mid-Year catalogues.

What is your position with magazines? We offer our members marketing tips designed to sell more magazines.

What is your position with lotteries? We actively work with Lotterywest. We also have a national account manager with The Lott through whom we navigate any issues or concerns members express.

Can we see your list of preferred suppliers prior to joining? No.

Can you save my business? We will help as much as possible.

Can you help me reduce my labour cost? We’ll share advice.

Can you help me negotiate on rent? Yes.

If you have any questions, please ask.

We’d love to help you increase the gross profit percentage your business achieves, attract more shoppers, guide shoppers to spend more each visit, convert more existing stock to cash, make consistently better business decisions and help you enjoy your business more.

We want these things to happen for you because they reflect success in business and success in business is satisfying.

It’s about wanting success and methodically going about achieving success. For us, that’s what MAKING THINGS HAPPEN is about.

Duo join newsXpress do you need to be a newsagent? No. All retailers are welcome.

We are keen to partner with business owners who want to run a more successful and enjoyable business, and who are open to change.

• Your location is no barrier.
• The size of your business is no barrier.
• Being an Australia Post LPO is no barrier.
• Your card supplier preference is no barrier.
• Your financial situation is no barrier.
• Having lotto, or not, is no barrier.
• Your age, gender, and ethnicity are no barrier.

What matters most is what you want for your business, and for yourself from your business.

If, for example, you think your future relies on newspaper home delivery, lotteries, parcel collection, betting account top-up, and similar agency business, newsXpress will not be a good fit for you.

If what you want is a more successful, valuable, and enjoyable business, we may be the right fit for you.

Successfully being part of newsXpress flows from your energy, and engagement.

The relationship is a partnership, one we both need to ensure is right.

Now, here’s what happens when yo join newsXpress.

First up, we want to know what is important to you.

Next, with your permission and if you want, we look at your data.

Then, we work on a plan with you to make things happen.

The details are different for every member.

If you want to sell online though a website specific to your business, we will introduce you to the team that can deliver this at half the usual cost as a newsXpress exclusive opportunity.

You get to choose what you buy, when you buy, how you display and how you promote. We will offer advice, and suggestions. Action is up to you.

How does newsXpress compare to other marketing groups?

We don’t know the details of what other groups offer today or what they do or do not do for their members today, just as they cannot know this about newsXpress.

What we do know is what people who have switched to newsXpress tell us they like about our group.

• They like how active we are, how engaged we are with members at a group level as well as at the individual business level.
• New suppliers. They like that we have plenty of suppliers they have not had access to before.
• They like that we have good value deals that help them make more money.
• Fresh ideas. They like the fresh ideas we pitch that help their business.
• They like how fast we are on trends, that we help them get into a craze early, and get out before the craze has faded.
• They like the advice we provide on turning locations in-store into hotspots.
• They like that our advice is evidence based and not pandering to suppliers.

We think the newsXpress offer is unique in terms of what we do, how we do it, and the extent to which we help our members.

Enjoying your business helps you make better decisions. It also helps those with you in the business make better business decisions.

Through our newsXpress community you have friends you can have a laugh with, and folks you can trust to decompress with.

In our Zoom meetings and other contact points we, together, have a laugh.

We nurture your resilience and, sometimes, help you find enjoyment when it may not have been obvious.

It really comes back to why you are in business. The answer to this varies. Understanding it is key to the enjoyment you feel and achieve.

The business itself becomes enjoyable when speed bumps are overcome and stormy weather guided away. Having access to your own business mentor can help achieve these things.

Success is enjoyable. We encourage and help to find success so you can feel the happiness it brings.

What newsXpress offers local newsagents is unique.

newsXpress is genuinely unique in the newsagency marketing group mix.

We own, and run our own shops, as playing fields where we experiment for our members with their full knowledge, and guidance.

We own and run successful websites. Our two biggest consumer-facing websites each did half a million dollars last year.

We were first with a consumer-facing online offer at the group level, and at an individual store level.

We have an active new shopper strategy, focussed through several suppliers that do not partner with any other marketing group.

We will disagree with you sometimes. If you ask our opinion, our feedback will be honest, and backed by evidence. We owe you the truth.

We leverage the Tower Systems retail experience. Tower serves 3,500+ independent retailers across 16 retail channels. Data insights from these channels provide early insights that we leverage for newsXpress members.

The value of this dataset is extraordinary.

Through this we can speak to key metrics such as return on floor space, return on labour, and return on investment, and through these help you cultivate more value from your business.

If you want to run an enjoyable and rewarding local newsagency business it starts with you not thinking about the business within the framework of being a newsagency. Don’t let your business plans be bound by tradition.

newsXpress is an Australian owned marketing group serving close to 200 independently owned member businesses.

We nurture value for member businesses through sharing business insights, strategic advice, store level data supported advice and optimism for a bright future.

Our members pay us a modest monthly membership fee. There is no fee on turnover. Most of our revenue comes from rebates from our partner suppliers.

Not a newsagency.

While newsXpress stores operate within the newsagency channel, they are not typical newsagencies. Gifts, homewares, nesting, personal care, collectibles, toys, games … are all important categories to us.

Not a franchise.

newsXpress is not a franchise.

What we look for in preferred supplier partners.

The ideal preferred supplier offers products through which our member retailers can attract new shoppers.

We love Australian designed and made.

We love introducing product categories to our member businesses.

Retail price is of little concern.

Our retailers want to be able to tell a story. They also love a category or range than evolves over time.

What we are not interested in products you may consider to be perfect for newsagents as such products are usually not embraced by our members.

How we help our preferred suppliers

When we bring on a preferred supplier, we introduce them to our members, explaining the products and where we see them as fitting within a newsXpress business. We explain the target customer and discuss how to reach them.

We email our members 2 or 3 time a week. We include in these emails offers and other collateral provided by suppliers.

We post a products promotional envelope with flyers from preferred suppliers to our members at least every second month.

We host at least 2 member meetings via Zoom each month and offer supplier access to introduce products and engage in a Q&A.

We produce a supplier specific Zoom session, live a virtual trade show for any supplier introducing new products, a showroom walkthrough or more. These can be with our head office team only or with members invited for Q&A.

All Zoom sessions are recorded and links to the videos shared with members.

These is no additional cost for any of these activities.

If you find yourself blaming others or external factors for situations you could have influenced, you may have a victim mentality.

It’s easy to blame others and forgive ourselves. However, this doesn’t benefit you or your business.

Blaming others for situations you could have controlled holds you back. It prevents you from learning and improving.

Wallowing in self-pity can be harmful. It can lead to a desire for the comfort of failure and the right to blame anyone but yourself.

We’ve encountered many small business owners with a victim mentality. They miss out on opportunities by spending their time blaming others.

If you notice yourself blaming others for business situations, consider seeking professional help. While you can break the cycle yourself, a professional can help you understand why and provide strategies to identify and address it.

If professional help isn’t appealing, meditation can help you find calm and stillness, reducing the influence of negative victimhood thoughts.

We are not not a psychologists or therapists. We recommend starting with a professional. However, here are some things we’ve done to focus on our role and the positive:

• Display reminders of success: Keep photos and other reminders of your successes on a noticeboard, at your desk, or somewhere in your business. Look at them regularly.
• Celebrate failures: Own your failures, such as a failed product, ineffective ad, or unprofitable business initiative. Learn from them.
• Exert control: If you see something negatively impacting your business, take ownership and address it early.
• Trust your intuition: If you sense something is wrong, address it immediately instead of waiting for it to become a problem.
• Say no: If you don’t want to do something, politely decline.
• Make informed decisions: Research, learn, and strive to be smarter in your decision-making.
• Expand your perspective: Victims may perceive limited control over their world. Look beyond your immediate circumstances and find ways to expand your influence.
• Foster accountability: Create a workplace culture where mistakes and poor decisions are acknowledged and learned from.

Blaming others for situations within your control doesn’t help you or your business. It may provide temporary relief but ultimately achieves nothing.

The First Three Metres: Your Shop’s Power Zone

The first three metres of your shop, from the front windows and door, are your headline. If you’re serious about transforming your newsagency and making a lasting impression, this is the space to focus on. A dramatic, complete overhaul is essential.

It’s these initial few steps that will shape customers’ perceptions of your shop. This is your chance to defy expectations and disrupt the norm. Don’t give them what they anticipate.

Every element, from products to fixtures, is up for reinvention. If your counter falls within this zone, it too needs a dramatic makeover.

To truly start fresh, close your shop for a day and strip the first three metres bare. Imagine a blank canvas. Set a strict rule: nothing that was there before can go back. It won’t be easy, but resist the urge to revert to the old layout.

The ultimate goal? To surprise your customers. To have them point out products they’ve always bought but only now truly notice, thanks to your bold new approach.

Four Principles for Maximising Your Shop’s Power Zone:

1. Declutter and Create a Visual Feast: Keep the entrance clear and visually appealing. Ditch traditional fixtures in favour of clean lines, captivating displays, and well-maintained equipment.
2. Sensory Experience: Engage multiple senses. Play upbeat, familiar tunes. Showcase beautifully scented products to create a distinctive aroma.
3. Storytelling Through Displays: Don’t just display products; tell a story. Create themed displays that showcase how products can be used or benefit customers. Less is more – focus on quality over quantity.
4. Interactive Elements: Encourage customer engagement. Display products in a way that invites touching and smelling. Break free from traditional boxed displays.

The first three metres of your shop are prime retail real estate. Take control. Set the tone. Make a statement. And keep evolving. Prove that your business is dynamic and always transforming.

newsXpress is here to help local small business newsagents run more valuable and enjoyable retail businesses, to navigate change and embrace opportunities beyond tradition. newsXpress is all about sharing these opportunities and leaving you to decide what’s best for you and your newsagency business.

If you know you need to transform your newsagency and your business data isn’t in good shape, you can still take steps on the shop floor to drive change.

Often, businesses in this situation have a traditional shop layout. The advice below is designed to disrupt this and help you see new possibilities. Remember, change is permanent, so be ready to adapt. Also, nothing is permanent. But, if you do nothing, achieving nothing is a certainty.

First: The Old Newspaper and Magazine Unit

If you have a traditional magazine fixture running down the middle of the shop with newspapers facing the entrance, rip it out. This prime retail space is better suited to higher-margin products.

Not sure what to replace it with. Rip it out anyway. You’ll then see possibilities.

Replace it with basic shelving:

• Put magazines on the back wall.
• Place newspapers on a bottom shelf.
• Remove any newspaper or magazine posters, as they don’t boost sales.

Second: Fill the Freed-Up Space

Use old tables or wooden boxes to create display areas. Showcase product categories and include items you might not usually consider. Don’t use spinners in this space. Be bold and include products you’re unsure about to learn more about your customers. Be ready to change these displays weekly.

Make it warm, comforting, comfortable.

Third: Watch What Happens

The changes might not work immediately. If so, keep experimenting. If you see early success, capitalise on it.

By disrupting your traditional layout, you’ll gain a fresh perspective on your business. This radical change can lead to significant benefits, both for your business and your personal growth.

The moves may be a bust. It’s okay if they are, make more changes and keep doing so until you see a good result.

You may see some early success. If you do, lean into that, do more.

If your business is that traditional that it has an old magazine and newspaper unit running down the middle of the shop, we suspect you will experience good news for that’s what we have seen in every business we have seen try it.

newsXpress is here to help newsagents run more enjoyable and valuable retail businesses.

This advice applies whether you’re running a classic newsagency or one that’s already been modernised. The key to success starts with understanding your current situation – and that means diving into the data.

Why Data Matters

Knowing your business inside-out forms the foundation for making informed decisions. This involves gathering information from various sources:

• Up-to-date financials: This includes your profit and loss statement, debtors and creditors reports, and a list of all outstanding debts (both official and unofficial).
• Inventory: Maintain a complete stock listing with total value, along with a separate list for items that haven’t sold in six months or more (dead stock) with their total value.
• Store layout: Create a floor plan showing gross profit percentage by product category and how much space each category occupies.
• Staffing: Track total rostered hours per week, including unpaid owners, and calculate your revenue per hour worked.
• Sales Trends: Compare your category-level sales for the past six months to the same period a year prior.

Taking Action: Starting with Quick Wins

Just wanting change isn’t enough. You need a clear picture of your current state and resources to navigate transformation effectively. This data will reveal immediate opportunities and your business’s capacity to fund change. It’s my starting point for every transformation project I undertake.

Clearing Out Dead Stock

Here’s a recommendation for a quick win: identify dead stock that’s not selling and that that’s already been paid for. Freeing up this cash and space can be a great boost. Create a dedicated clearance area with a uniform discount (50% is a good starting point) to move this stock quickly.

Uncovering Hidden Gems

While clearing dead stock, analyse the remaining data to understand your current business performance. Look at sales comparison reports to identify any untapped potential within existing categories. This can serve as your first easy win.

Embrace Continuous Improvement

As you analyse the data, keep building out a list of ideas and actionable steps. You might even discover previously overlooked opportunities or hidden strengths.

Finding the Right Guidance

Some seek help from accountants or consultants. While these can be valuable resources, in my experience, the ideal advisor has current, hands-on experience in retail specifically within the newsagency space.

Transformation is Yours to Own

It’s your business, and the desire for change is yours. The next steps are yours to define and execute. Owning the transformation process empowers you to build a stronger future.

Getting Fit for Change

Gathering data, cleaning house, and getting your finances in order are crucial steps – your equivalent of getting “match fit” for the more significant changes to come.

newsXpress is here to help

newsXpress is a marketing group helping local small business newsagents to create more valuable and enjoyable businesses.

newsXpress members have easy access to POS software connected websites and through these they are winning good sales online.

Some newsXpress shops are doing hundreds of thousands of dollars a year in online sales, adding valuable net profit to the P&L of their business.

newsXpress has lead the Australian newsagency channel in taking businesses online and winning sales from people who would never visit a shop.