Tag: local retail

Active steps to transforming your retail newsagency

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.

Advice on newsagency transformation

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 stores launch local Christmas promotion with $500 prize value for a customer of each store.

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Charity boxed Christmas cards spread joy and help

newsXpress shops have wonderful charity boxed Christmas cards for sharing Christmas love and greetings this year.

With cards supporting Kids Helpline, Beyond Blue, The Peter Mac Cancer Foundation, The Starlight Children’s Foundation, The Peter McGrath Foundation, Jeans for Genes, Dementia Australia, Ovarian Cancer Research Foundation National Breast Cancer Foundation, Breast Cancer Network Australia, Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia, Make-A-Wish & redkite, we offer you many options for supporting charities near to your heart.

Each charity boxed Christmas card purchase helps provide funds for the charity listed on the Christmas card box. You can easily;y shop for designs you love or charities you love or both.

Your local newsXpress can help you find charity boxed Christmas cards that mean so much to you.

Kids Helpline is a free and confidential, 24/7 phone and online counselling service for young people aged5-25. Providing a safe and supportive space, Kids Helpline offers a listening ear, guidance, and practical advice to young people facing a wide range of challenges.   

The Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia is a leading non-profit organisation dedicated to supporting men and their families affected by prostate cancer. Their mission is to fund vital research, provide essential information and support services, and raise awareness about prostate cancer prevention and early detection.

Dementia Australia is a non-profit organisation dedicated to providing support, information,and advocacy for people living with dementia and their families across Australia. Their mission is to improve the quality of life for individuals affected by dementia through education, research, and community engagement.

The Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) is a renowned organisation in Australia, dedicated to improving the lives of animals. With a rich history dating back to 1880, the RSPCA has played a vital role in advocating for animal welfare and protecting animals from cruelty and neglect.

The McGrath Foundation has been a steadfast supporter of individuals and families affected by breast cancer. Named after the late Australian cricketer Glenn McGrath and his wife Jane, the foundation was established in 2005 to raise funds for McGrath Breast Care Nurses.

These are just some of the charities you support through purchasing charity boxed Christmas cards from your local news press. Thank you for supporting them and thank you for supporting our local shops.

newsXpress helps newsagents win big sales online

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.

Ww are grateful to support the RSPCA with boxed Christmas card sales this year

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Australian designed and made Christmas cards

Letting someone you know you are thinking of them at Christmas is something they will cherish. Doing it with an Australian designed and made card is something for which local artists and printers will be grateful. #ShopLocal #AustralianMade

Helping in the celebration of Diwali

We are ready to help you celebrate Diwali with this beautiful 1oz Silver Gilded Medallion from The Perth Mint. It is boxed with a certificate of authenticity. https://buff.ly/488q5EC #Diwali #Celebration #GoodOverEvil
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Countdown coin celebrating 50 years of the iconic TV show

We are grateful for the opportunity of offering the Countdown coin through newsXpress stores.

New Christmas gift tags @ your local newsXpress

Gift tags sell out every year. each year we order more, and they sell out early. Right now is the best time to buy your Christmas gift tags. The range is bright and wonderful this year.

Grateful to support the McGrath Foundation

We are grateful here at newsxpress and at www.myornaments.com.au to offer a wonderful range of charity boxed Christmas cards that support the work of the wonderful McGrath Foundation, a vitally important support group here in Australia – a breast cancer support and education charity.

Each purchase of a McGrath Foundation charity boxed Christmas card pack from us supports their work. Here’s why we are grateful to support the work of McGrath Foundation:

The McGrath Foundation has been a steadfast supporter of individuals and families affected by breast cancer. Named after the late Australian cricketer Glenn McGrath and his wife Jane,the foundation was established in 2005 to raise funds for McGrath Breast Care Nurses.

These specially trained nurses provide vital support to people diagnosed with breast cancer,offering both physical and emotional care. They are available to assist patients from the time of diagnosis through treatment and beyond. The McGrath Foundation’s aim is to ensure that everyone in Australia has access to breast care nurses, regardless of their location or financial circumstances.

Here are some of the services provided by the McGrath Foundation:

  • Emotional support: Nurses offer a listening ear and provide guidance to patients and their families during the challenging journey of breast cancer treatment.
  • Practical assistance: They can help with tasks such as coordinating appointments,managing paperwork, and navigating the healthcare system.
  • Information and education: Nurses provide patients with up-to-date information about breast cancer and its treatment options.
  • Referral services: They can connect patients with other support services, such as counselling, financial assistance,or support groups.

The McGrath Foundation has achieved significant success in its mission, with a network of McGrath Breast Care Nurses operating across Australia. Through the generosity of donors,the foundation has been able to expand its reach and provide vital support to countless individuals and families affected by breast cancer.

Thank you for considering the charity boxed Christmas cards that support the McGrath Foundation.

Money from each pack of McGrath Foundation charity boxed Christmas cards goes to support their work.

www.myornaments.com.au is a website run locally by newsXpress. We support a range of charities in our charity boxed Christmas card range.

Thank you for helping us support Kids Helpline

We are grateful here at newsXpress to offer a wonderful range of charity boxed Christmas cards that support the work of Kids Helpline, a vitally important support group here in Australia.

Each purchase of a Kids Helpline charity boxed Christmas card pack from us supports their work. Here’s why we are grateful to support the work of Kids Helpline:

Kids Helpline is a free and confidential, 24/7 phone and online counselling service for young people aged5-25. Providing a safe and supportive space, Kids Helpline offers a listening ear, guidance, and practical advice to young people facing a wide range of challenges.   

Here are the services they offer:

  • Phone Counselling: Young people can call 1800 55 1800 to speak with a trained counsellor.
  • Online Counselling: For those who prefer to chat online, Kids Helpline offers a webchat service.
  • My Circle: This is a free and confidential social media platform for 12-25-year-olds to connect with others going through similar experiences.

Kids Helpline counsellors are trained to support young people with a variety of issues, including:

  • Mental health: Depression, anxiety, self-harm, and suicidal thoughts
  • Relationships: Family, friends, and romantic relationships
  • School: Bullying, academic stress, and career choices
  • Sexuality and identity: LGBTQ+ issues, gender identity, and sexual health
  • Substance use: Alcohol, drugs, and gambling
  • Abuse: Physical, emotional, and sexual abuse

Kids Helpline plays a vital role in supporting the mental health and wellbeing of young Australians. By providing a safe and confidential space, Kids Helpline helps young people to:

  • Feel less alone: Knowing that there is someone available to listen can make a big difference.
  • Gain new perspectives: Counsellors can offer different ways of thinking about challenging situations.
  • Develop coping skills: Kids Helpline can help young people learn healthy ways to manage stress and difficult emotions.
  • Access support services: Counsellors can connect young people with other resources, such as crisis hotlines or mental health professionals.

If you, or someone you know, is struggling with a mental health issue or needs support, please reach out to Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800 or visit their website at https://kidshelpline.com.au/.

Thank you for considering the charity boxed Christmas cards that support Kids Helpline.

Money from each pack of Kids Helpline charity boxed Christmas cards goes to support their work.

www.myornaments.com.au is a website run locally by newsXpress. We support a range of charities in our charity boxed Christmas card range.