I’ve just completed two weeks of meetings with newsagents across the country and along the way checked in on some trends. Here’s a brief summary based on around 500 opinions:
– Crossword magazine sales are hot, especially the Lovatts brand. Many are tracking sales growth of 10% to 20%.
– Women’s Weeklies like New Idea, Woman’s Day, Take 5 and That’s Life are very strong. Thanks to Nicole, Bec and Simone.
– Beading magazines are overtaking the craft section.
– Cross stitch and quilting titles are suffering.
– Health, fitness and diet magazines are hot.
– Cars, motorbike, science and pet titles are soft.
– Travel magazines are dying.
– Music magazines are dying.
– Teen magazines are flat if not dying.
– Special interest titles are flat.
– Adult titles are dead.
– Newspaper sales are strong.
– Lottery sales are flat.
– Trade in newsagencies overall – okay, nothing stunning
The suppliers receiving the kudos remain the major players – ACP Magazines, Pacific Magazines, News and Fairfax. Despite newsagent complaints about some issues, overall they are happy that these suppliers support the channel with promotions and specials.