Free daily blog
For people tracking the happenings of free daily newspapers, the free-daily.com is worth a look. Blogger Clyde Davis posts regularly about the growing influence of free daily newspapers in the US.
I love Cadbury singles
I love Cadbury singles … on many fronts. Yes, I love the chocolate, that is a given. I also love the way they are pitching the product – 99 calories. I also love that it is priced so that I can sell this to soak up change from a newspaper purchase. This is the perfect up-sell for a newsagency.
Would you prefer a chocolate in your hand to some silver? Chocolate of course! Good retailers will make these Cadbury Singles work beautifully for them. We hope to.
New website for Sophie Randall
We have replaced the website for our Sophie Randall business. The new design better reflects the focus and values of the business. Not all pages are up yet, it’s a work in progress.
Wellington bear found
I passed on carrying Wellington Bear when I first saw this new offer from Hallmark. We were committed to Forever Friends and didn’t see the need for another plush story from Hallmark.
Two weeks ago, I took the time to listen to the Wellington Bear story and, finally some would say, I got it. I got that this bear was different. Wellington has a back story – printed on every Wellington product except the cards. This story provides context and helps us (me) better understand those likely to purchase Wellington.
With so many new products pitched to newsagents, invited and uninvited, it is challenge to pay sufficient attention to each. Of course every supplier says this is the one, the product which will beat all others. What I am more interested in is the purpose of this product. This is why I (belatedly) like the Wellington story.
Christmas magazine display
This is the new magazine feature display at one of our register points created by our team at Forest Hill. They have brought together a good range of Christmas themed titles from a variety of categories including food, craft and home/living.
Since we do not have a shelf displaying magazines along the counter, this stand is our main magazine impulse purchase opportunity at this counter. It is proving to be valuable space for us.
By displaying this range of magazines we not only connect with Christmas shopping – which is well under way – we also demonstrate the breadth of our magazine range – something we take every opportunity to achieve.
We change this stand every 7 to 10 days – Christmas titles will get two shots.
Kudos for Handle magazine
Kudos to the folks at Handle magazine for placing their latest issue in a resealable bag. This way, browsers can browse the magazine and the accompanying DVD package and put it back into the bag.
At least the facilities are there to keep the product merchantable – as opposed to the many other magazines in sealed bags which are ripped by browsers wanting to try before they buy.
It is good to see a publisher attuned to the needs of newsagents and their customers and prepared to try alternatives.
Boxed cards all year
This photo shows a small part of the range of boxed cards we are selling from our Sophie Randall store.
Settling on the range was a challenge given that traditional card suppliers do not have the broad rang we wanted for year round giving.
Now that we have the range and sales to match, I am confident that at least some of the range would sell in newsagencies if presented appropriately and located between social stationery and greeting cards.
Boxed cards are big in Europe and the US all through the year while in Australia, in most stores, they remain a Christmas focus.