Stationery revenue increased in 3.4% in newsagencies in September / October 2009 compared to the same period in 2008 according to the latest newsagency benchmark study. This is an improvement on results from earlier this year.
Despite the increase in sales, stationery appears in fewer shopping baskets than in the same time last year. This is further evidence of the impact of newsagents diversifying from traditional product lines such as stationery.
Ink and toner revenue increased 24.55% in September / October 2009 compared to the same period in 2008 – in newsagencies established in this category. Ink now accounts for, on average, 30% of all stationery sales. If the current growth trend continues I can see Ink reaching 50% of stationery sales. This is an extraordinary shift from just three years ago.
The benchmark study was undertaken by Tower Systems and analysed data from 125 newsagencies.
A more complete report on the sales benchmark study will be released next Monday.