Author: Mark Fletcher

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.

Here’s a grab bag of resolutions for 2011 newsagents could consider.

1. Reconfigure the floor space allocation of your newsagency to reflect your plans for the future.
2. We drive serious debate about the green challenges of the magazine supply model.
3. To act on what you think needs work with the traditional newsagency model.
4. To get serious about theft management in your store.
5. To stop supplier reps from placing orders and take full control of reordering for yourself.
6. To reconnect with the local community.
7. To carry stock which actually sells rather than being the retailer of last resort for many lines.
8. To more actively engage in managing the magazine floorstock by more intelligent and timely early return.
9. To present a fresh face to the newsagency from the front window and throughout the store.
10. To introduce at least one completely new department.

This could be a year of significant change if we decide to lead our businesses rather than follow.

The centres in which my stores are located are usually closed New Years Day.  This year, a couple are open for optional trading.  I haven’t yet made a decision about whether to open and would be interested in feedback from others.

We had a terrific day of trade yesterday for the start of the Boxing Day Sales.  Christmas products were the hit – Boxed and single cards and Christmas decorations sold like hot cakes.  Much of the product sold had been sourced especially for the event – our margin was excellent.  $3,000 in boxed cards alone in one store is a terrific result.

There was also nice business in calendars, stationery and general gifts.  Not so much for magazines and newspapers but I can’t complain as they have had a brilliant seven days.