To those who have commented on my ramblings here publicly and privately this year, thank you. I hope that this place is, in some small way, a useful resource for newsagents, would-be newsagents and suppliers who want to help newsagents grow.
I’ve been working with newsagents since February 1981 and have owned my own newsagency since February 1996. I am honored to count more than 1,400 newsagents as customers.
I love our channel and the point of difference we offer Australians. Our role in this society is more important than we often give ourselves credit for. Our connection with our customers is unique and important to this country.
Our biggest challenge is from national retailers including Australia Post. They move as one and we move as 4,500+ Managing Directors. However, it is our local ownership and commitment which is also our biggest asset – if only we can turn that into a powerhouse for our benefit.
2008, in my view, ought to be about once and for all achieving equity in the magazine supply model for newsagents – cutting the financial and labour resources needed to support magazines – so that we can invest the savings elsewhere in our businesses so that we can compete on stationery and other product categories. We need to band together to stop over and under supply and stop supply in unfair terms. We need to have the balls necessary for this fight because years of diplomacy have failed.
Have a Happy New Year. May 2008 bring good things to you, your family, your co-workers and those who depend on your business.