Category: newsXpress difference

This business has been in the family for decades, across two generations. What was once a traditional newsagency is today a vibrant gift shop that has some newsagency lines as a service for customers.

This shop is an excellent example of doing it yourself and creating something genuinely local, warm, comforting and clearly loved.

This shop also shows that you can succeed by trading outside of what people expect for your type of business, that today in retail, your shingle does not have to define your business.

Ulverstone is a wonderful local community, a beautiful part of the world. What Shareen and Wayne have created at newsXpress Leven is a shop people love to visit and spend money in.

Often, local retailers can get caught in their head about what they could do in their business. Seven years ago, Sharene and Wayne set about embracing change, and they haven’t stopped since – creating a business of which they can be proud.

• Location Benefits: Ulverstone’s relaxed lifestyle, with its proximity to beaches and mountains, attracts both locals and tourists.
• Business Evolution: Originally a magazine and souvenir shop owned by Sharen’s parents, Sharen and Wayne have turned it into a gift shop offering a diverse range of products, including homewares, leather bags, and toys.
• Shop Design: The shop boasts unique design elements, such as a black painted wall inspired by New York shops, and custom-made fixtures by Wayne. He even repurposed old boxes into retail shelving.
• Product Range: newsXpress Leven caters to a wide range of customer needs, offering everything from everyday gifts to premium products, with dedicated sections for baby items, games, and even John Deere merchandise.
• Customer Experience: Sharen focuses on creating an appealing and easy-to-navigate shopping environment with distinct zones and storytelling displays.
• Inspiration: A trip to New York inspired Sharen to implement innovative retail concepts.

It was a thrill to see what they have created.

newsXpress Leven brings to Ulverstone in Tasmania a wonderful retail experience, a shop that would be at home on the high street in the UK or in retail streets of Brooklyn. Ulverstone locals love shopping here and visitors are surprised at the elevated shopping experience.

Including …

 Can You Crack the Code? Royal Australian Mint unveils 2025 $1 coin honouring the Centenary of the Royal Australian Corps of Signals 

The Royal Australian Mint has released a new coin to celebrate the Centenary of the Royal Australian Corps of Signals. 

The 2025 $1 uncirculated coin not only honours a century of dedicated service in military communications but also features a hidden message in Morse and binary code, challenging collectors and enthusiasts to decipher its secrets. 

Since its establishment in 1925, the Royal Australian Corps of Signals has been vital in securing and relaying critical military communications, pioneering advancements in electronic warfare, cyber operations and defence technology. This commemorative coin pays tribute to the thousands of men and women who have safeguarded Australia’s communications on the battlefield and beyond. 

Designed by Mint artist Adam Ball, the coin is rich in symbolism. At its centre stands Mercury, the Roman messenger god, reflecting the Corps’ mission of swift and secure communication. Mercury stands upon a globe, symbolising the Corps’ far-reaching impact. A wreath of leaves, reminiscent of the original Corps badge, encircles the design, while the background features Morse and binary code — a visual link between the Corps’ origins and its cutting-edge role in modern cyber warfare. 

The obverse of the coin features the effigy of His Majesty King Charles III, designed by Daniel Thorne. 

Royal Australian Mint Acting Chief Executive Officer, Emily Martin, expressed her excitement for this remarkable release, encouraging Australians to explore its hidden depths. 

“Our latest $1 coin is cloaked in layers of secret code to mark the Centenary of the Royal Australian Corps of Signals, an organisation that has been at the forefront of the Army’s technological evolution,” Ms Martin said. 

“Developing this coin was a complex task, and it presents an interesting challenge to those who love puzzles and code-cracking.” 

The Royal Australian Corps of Signals Head of Corps Brigadier Deane Limmer thanked the Mint for marking this Centenary milestone in such a unique way. 

“For 100 years, the men and women of the Royal Australian Corps of Signals have ensured that the Army remains connected, secure and ready for any challenge,” Brigadier Limmer said. Media Enquiries: For media enquiries, or to request an interview, contact Trudy Taylor, media@ramint.gov.au or 02 6202 3466 Page 2 of 2 

“As our currency has evolved from pounds and pence to dollars and cents, Army signals has gone from trench warfare to electronic warfare; from semaphore to satellites and cyberspace. 

“This commemorative coin is a fitting tribute to their dedication, innovation and service and we are honoured by this recognition.” 

The 2025 $1 Uncirculated Coin – Swift and Sure – Centenary of Royal Australian Corp of Signals is available from the Royal Australian Mint for $17.50. It can be purchased through newsXpress stores and www.mintcoinshop.com.au.

Choosing the right franchise or marketing group is a significant decision for any newsagency owner. While the promise of collective buying power and marketing support can be appealing, it’s crucial to delve into the details before committing. As the saying goes, the devil is often in the detail – detail that can be buried within a lengthy contract you might not have the time to scrutinise thoroughly.

To help you navigate this important process, we’ve compiled a list of 20 key questions you should ask any prospective newsagency franchise or marketing group before you sign on the dotted line or renew an existing agreement. Taking the time to seek clear and comprehensive answers can save you considerable headaches and financial strain down the track.

Here are the questions we believe are essential:

1. Product Obligations: Will I be required to accept any specific products? If so, what are these products and what is the frequency of supply? What exactly does your contract stipulate regarding mandatory product? newsXpress does not obligate you to take any product.
2. Unsolicited Deliveries: Is it possible for products to be sent to my newsagency that I haven’t directly ordered? If this has occurred in the past, could you please provide a list of such products sent within the last year? newsXpress does not arrange or support unsolicited deliveries.
3. Business Sale Autonomy: When I decide to sell my business, am I free to sell to any buyer of my choosing without your group having the first right of refusal or requiring advance notification? What are the specific clauses in your contract regarding business sale? newsXpress does not interfere in the sale of your business.
4. Supplier Freedom: Can I source products from any supplier I choose, or am I obligated to purchase exclusively through suppliers approved by your group? Please specify the relevant terms outlined in your contract. With newsXpress you can buy from anyone.
5. Preferred Supplier Pricing: Regarding your preferred suppliers, do they inflate the product price before offering a discount to your group members, or is the discount genuinely applied to the standard wholesale price that other independent newsagents would pay? newsXpress deals are a discount off regular wholesale.
6. Recent Closures: Could you please provide a list of all newsagencies trading under your banner that have closed down or entered bankruptcy within the past two years? newsXpress will provide this.
7. In-Store Business Support: Do you offer an in-store business advisory service? If so, how often and for what duration are these visits conducted? What is the background and experience of the individuals providing this advisory service? newsXpress will help in the manner in which you prefer.
8. Stationery Supply Support: Does your group actively support the newsagency-owned GNS for stationery supply? If not, which stationery supply organisation do you endorse and what are the reasons for this preference? newsXpress supports.
9. Lease Negotiation Assistance: Do you provide a lease negotiation service? If so, are there any additional costs associated with this service? Furthermore, will the lease agreement be solely in my business name, without any reference to your group’s entity? newsXpress offers free lease negotiation assistance and advice.
10. Mandatory Software: Am I required to use a specific newsagency software program? If so, what assurances can you provide that I will receive this software at a preferential price, better than what I could obtain independently? newsXpress does not require you to use any specific software.
11. Ownership Structure: Who are the owners of your franchise or marketing group? newsXpress discloses this.
12. Direct Contact with Owners: Am I able to contact the owners of your group directly at any time should any issues arise? With newsXpress you can.
13. Territorial Protection: What guarantees do you offer that you will not permit another newsagency to join your group in close proximity to my existing business? Is this assurance provided in writing within the contract? newsXpress supports you.
14. Post-Contract Freedom: Upon the expiry of the contract, am I immediately free to join another franchise or marketing group, or are there any restrictions or waiting periods? With newsXpress you are.
15. Central Billing Requirements: Am I obligated to use a central billing service to access supplier discounts or rebates, or can I maintain control over my own business cash flow? newsXpress proffered extended terms through central billing.
16. Business Closure Liability: In the event that my newsagency is forced to close, will I still be liable for ongoing franchise or marketing fees? With newsXpress: no.
17. Sales Data Sharing: Am I required to provide you with my newsagency’s sales figures? If so, what is the purpose of collecting this data and how is it utilised? newsXpress data sharing is voluntary.
18. Conference Attendance: Am I mandated to attend your group’s conferences, and if so, what are the associated costs of attendance? newsXpress members are welcome at our optional national conferences.
19. Initial Joining Costs: What is the complete and total cost associated with joining your franchise or marketing group? Please provide a breakdown of all initial fees. newsXpress has no additional joining fee.
20. Ongoing Monthly Costs: What is the total monthly cost of being a member of your franchise or marketing group? Please itemise all recurring fees and charges. newsXpress has a single low monthly cost.

By asking these pertinent questions and carefully reviewing the contract, you can make a more informed decision and choose a newsagency franchise or marketing group that genuinely aligns with your business goals and provides the support you need for long-term success. Don’t hesitate to seek clarification on any point that is unclear – your future in the newsagency industry may well depend on it.

newsXpress Silver Sands has a new website for their business. https://harmonygiftco.com.au/ will help them find new shoppers from outside their local area.

This beautiful POS software connected website has been developed by the crew at Tower Systems for newsXpress Silver Sands. Their local story is one of service of the local community:

For over two decades, newsXpress Silver Sands and newsXpress Halls Head have been beloved fixtures in the Mandurah community on both sides of the Mandurah estuary. With two convenient brick and mortar locations, and an active online store, it gives customers close by and far away opportunities to choose and purchase sought after gifts and presents.

Our online store is a collector’s paradise.  At Harmony+Gift Co we have collectibles in plush toys, hand-made sculptures, and licenced products.  Most of which are limited editions.

You will find that our range of gifts can be handed down from generation to generation and we have many such stories from many customers who have collected them.

newsXpress is grateful to Phil and the team for their partnership with the newsXpress community.

If you are in the market for gifts, Charlie Bears, plush and plenty of other wonderful products, check out https://harmonygiftco.com.au/ and see a wonderful local business thriving.

The Celebrations coin out now at newsXpress stores could be the perfect gift for saying thank you, I see you, I’m grateful for you, I celebrate you. It’s a modest yet heartwarming gift. One they will keep. And, it is easily posted.

newsXpress businesses have performed well in 2024 as revealed by the latest Newsagency sales benchmark study.

This latest analysis reveals a stark and growing divide between traditional and transformed newsagencies. The benchmark sales datasets paint a clear picture: traditional businesses are struggling, facing declining revenue and an increased risk of closure. Conversely, transformed and transforming businesses are demonstrating profitability and higher sale values.

The key differentiator lies in diversification. Transformed newsagencies have successfully expanded beyond the traditional “newsagency” model, often with minimal impact on customer perception. In fact, customer purchasing habits indicate strong support for these evolving businesses.

newsXpress businesses are more likely to have transformed thanks to encouragement from newsXpress since 2005.

Key Performance Indicators: A Comparative Snapshot

newsXpress has provided its member retailers with a hamper of goodies to be given away as a prize in each local shop for Valentine’s Day. This promotion is another newsXpress EXCLUSIVE promotion, designed to drive card sales in local newsXpress businesses.

This wonderful prize pack along with A1 and other collateral is helping local newsXpress businesses not only sell Valentine’s Day cards but other cards too. Any card purchase puts the shopper in the running.

Provided to newsXpress members as part of its Seasonal Edge promotional campaign, newsXpress is helping local small business retailers to attract new shoppers and to encourage shoppers in-store to spend in the business.

Differentiating marketing like this is vital to helping these local retailers stand out from other retailers, to shine and provide promotional opportunities local shoppers love.

This is a newsXpress difference. It is another way we help our member retailers to present unique shopper competition opportunities and through this to show the business as being genuinely locally engaged.

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.

What we do for each newsXpress member depends on their situation and what they want from us. Every business is different. Every business owner has different needs.

While all newsXpress members have access to our preferred suppliers, network wide connected websites, seasonal collateral, digital assets and networking opportunities, it is in our personal, business-specific, help where value can be found for plenty of newsXpress members.

We assess your business data as we prefer to offer advice based on evidence. Often when we do this we discover opportunities missed, low hanging fruit to be picked.

The approach is whole of business, considering location, product mix, financial resources, people resources and what you want and need from the business.

While we have members who prefer to do this work for themselves, we have others who appreciate a more engaged approach.

How much or little newsXpress members and our head office team members work together is entirely under control of each newsXpress member.

The Biggest Opportunity for Australian Newsagents in 2025: Embrace the Power of NewsXpress

Forget about just surviving. Australian newsagents have a golden opportunity to thrive in 2025, and newsXpress is here to help you seize it.

While online retail continues to grow, more than 10% of total business revenue for some smart Australian newsagencies now comes from online sales. newsXpress can help.

newsXpress: bridge the gap and boost your revenue

newsXpress is a unique marketing group designed to empower Australian newsagents to compete and win in today’s dynamic retail landscape. Here’s what sets us apart:

• Exclusive traffic-attracting products. Find new shoppers easily.
• Expert mentorship to identify a profitable niche you’ll love. We don’t push a one-size-fits-all approach.
• Exclusive access to a network of 130+ preferred suppliers offering better margins and faster-selling products.

The newsXpress Difference.

Sure, a website is crucial, but that’s just the tip of the iceberg. NewsXpress offers a comprehensive suite of benefits to propel your newsagency forward, including:

• Seasonal marketing collateral to grab attention and drive sales.
• In-store training to optimize your shop floor layout and product mix.
• Assistance with negotiating lower EFTPOS rates to keep more money in your pocket.
• A community of fellow newsXpress members for sharing ideas and support.

Don’t let fear hold you back: embrace the – possibility

Perhaps you’ve had a bad experience in the past, or maybe you’re unsure where to start. That’s where newsXpress comes in. We provide the guidance and support you need to succeed.

Join the NewsXpress Family and Unlock Your Newsagency’s Potential

NewsXpress is more than just a marketing group; we’re a community of passionate newsagents helping each other achieve success. We share best practices, celebrate wins, andoffer support during challenging times.

Ready to take your newsagency to the next level? Contact newsXpress today and let’s chat about how we can help you turn possibility into reality.

Along with plenty of newsXpress stores we will have the new Royal Australian Mint coins released this Thursday. We are not taking preorders. We can’t get to every call, email or message asking for us to hold stock for you. Sorry. It’s first in best dressed on the day. Limits apply. Our online store will release stock at 8:30am Thursday: www.mintcoinshop.com.au.