I’ve been talking with Gary Larsen of Larsen’s News and Bookshop in Innisfail, far north Queensland. Innisfail was devastated by Cyclone Larry. Gary uses my newsagency point of sale software. Comparing May 2006 with May 2005 one can see the impact of Cyclone Larry on this small business. On the surface you see amazing sales growth. 25% up overall. Magazines up 31%; stationery 13%; school text books 94%; drinks 41%. Categories which are down include cigarettes -7%; gifts -45%; cards -16%; newspapers – 4%. Gary and his family are long term Innisfail people. They have not price gouged as a result of Larry even though their operational costs and business challenges are up as a result. Just getting a stationery shipment in has been a significant challenge. The service they have been providing in Innisfail in the wake of Larry has been invaluable and more power to them for achieving growth in such challenging circumstances.
They get my vote for Newsagent of the Year.