We completed a relay of stationery at our Forest Hill store two weeks ago and while it is early days, we are seeing close to a 25% increase in sales on some days. As part of the relay we quit plenty of older stock and stock which represented brands we now wanted to carry and brought in new product – especially around the new brands. I expect the increase to settle at 40% long term once the makeover of stationery is complete.
The MPA drives newsagents to relay magazines in pursuit of sales growth. Why not stationery? If we can get such a kick from our small business – admittedly off a low base – then imagine what newsagents more successful in stationery could achieve. The kick has come without any promotional activity.
The project took two man weeks and a reasonable financial investment in new stock. The payback started almost immediately.