In September 2025, compared to September 2024, unit sales were up 10% and revenue up 16% in our shop. Here’s the headline direct from our newsagency software.
This is a good result, well ahead of the channel average.
While our use of discount vouchers has helped drive this result, it’s the counter pitch, full place display of all lifestyle product and active engagement with the category overall that has helped drive this.
Cards remain a vitally important category for our businesses. Performance reflects investment in the business.
Too many newsagents leave the performance of cards in their shops to their card suppliers. This is a mistake.
If a newsagent says to me they are not happy with card sales, my first question is what are you doing about it? Typically in these situations they blame the card company or companies. This is a mistake. Here are easy things to do to grow card sales:
- Review pocket level performance and expand your best caption performers and cut those at the bottom.
- Full face display lifestyle.
- Always promote 2 or 3 cards at the counter.
- Pitch cards on social media: one card per post only.
- Have a loyalty program.
- Run regular shopper competitions supporting card sales.
- Be aware of every order placed for the business.
- Put out your own cards – don’t use a merchandiser.
staff training is essential for maximising card sales. Ensure your team understands the importance of the card department and can effectively engage with customers. Providing product knowledge and sales techniques can significantly impact customer satisfaction and purchase decisions. By investing in your staff, you’ll create a more knowledgeable and confident salesforce.
Newsagents have more control over the performance of cards in. their shop than they often think.
Check your card sales for September 2025 over 2024. Look for growth in unit sales and revenue.
Australian newsagents hold a significant position in the greeting card market, accounting for somewhere around 35% of all cards sold nationally. As the largest single retail channel for greeting cards and with terrific gross profit margins of between 50 and 70%, cards are a cornerstone of the newsagency business.
Go on, check your September results.