2010, the year that was
What a challenging, memorable and terrific year.
I have enjoyed 2010.
I like that tablet computers and other disruptive devices are making their moves. I feel like sending an I Told You So card to some people.
I like that newsagents are starting to realise that their future is in their own hands.
I like the customer traffic, sales and margin growth some newsagents are seeing through embracing change.
I like the benefits of a smaller format newsagency and achieving a significantly better per square metre return.
I love the excellent continued growth in ink sales.
I am looking forward with excitement to 2011, the changes it will bring and the opportunities which will be mined from them.
I own two newsagencies and have a 50% share in two more. Yes, 2010 has had its challenges, especially for shopping centre newsagencies.The year is finishing very well though.
On a technology front, my newsagency software company has had a terrific year. Our market share is up, major new software for newsagents is out, newsagency efficiency has improved and millions of dollars in employee theft has been discovered, stopped and is being pursued.
With more than 1,700 newsagents using our software, the Tower newsagent community remains the largest newsagent community in the country. In 2010, this community has helped the channel by providing access to the only regular sales benchmark data – data which is widely used and reported. The growth of the Tower newsagent community will continue in 2010.
I am excited about 2011. It will be a year of great change and, I hope, achievement.