A blog on issues affecting Australia's newsagents, media and small business generally. More ...

Visting the Christmasworld trade show in Frankfurk was inspring, eye-opening

I am so grateful for the opportunity of visit the huge Christmasworld trade show in Frankfurt a couple of days ago. It was my first time.

When I say Christmasworld is huge, I meant it sincerely. This is a big trade show over several hal;ls with each hall bigger than any trade show hall in Australia. Once you add Christmasworld, Stationeryworld, Creativeworld and Ambiente together, three trade shows across one large campus in Frankfiurt, you have a trade event bigger than Spring Fair in Birmingham and much much bigger than anything in Australia. And, yes, size does matter for you are presented an extraordinary range for businesses from those who focus on the low end through to those who focus at the high end.

I’d talked myself out of going previously because of importation challenges. Now we have a viable solution for importation that has worked for a couple of years, I was ready. I was keen to be challenged in terms of what we could sell to Christmas-focussed shoppers, especially all year round.

While the trade show floor did offer what we’d call everyday Christmas decorations, they occupied a fraction of the space. What dominated was European craftsmanship and aesthetic in what I’d call the seasonal decor space. Whereas we might focus on classic Santa decorations for Christmas, the European approach is richer, more diverse and more stylish.

So many times on the trade show floor I saw products I’ve never seen from an Australian supplier that I knew would work. I also saw some products I’ve seen in Australia. I know of some major high end Aussie retailers who have sourced products at Christmasworld previously.

It was interesting talking with people working the trade show booths about what sells where and to hear stories of any business with Australia retailers. My most enjoyable thing to do though was to watch other retailers purchase. It was instructive to see what they had seen, that I had missed. Some insights I picked up were valuable.

So many suppliers at Christmasworld presented products I have never seen in Australia. I have come away with several orders in place and more on the way. I walked 21,000 steps, took over 500 photos and had genuinely meaningful business discussions with many suppliers.

I was surprised at how many suppliers did not use tech on their stands for taking orders. This also fed into some good conversations about software being used in retail. In our type of retail channel in Australia we are more tech advanced than what I heard about in Frankfurt.

Now, if you’ve read this far, thanks, and you’re be right to be annoyed at the little specific detail I have shared. I’ve kept specific details to myself for competitive advantage. Please don’t begrudge me that.

Here are some photos. Looking at them, they do not do the event justice. These first four though show how educational the event is. The first is a very popular display. The next 3 are of the same display showing some small details from the display, demonstrating the educational value of seeing this level of visual merchandising in action.

Here are some other photos:

Any retailer doing reasonable business in the Christmas space should attend Christmasworld at least once.

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Newsagency opportunities

World Money Fair in Berlin showed the appeal of serving collectors

Collectors come in all sorts today. Take coin collectors, there are coin collectors, licence fans who purchase coin products, nostalgia lovers who purchase coin products and then there are those celebrating birthdays, anniversaries, citizenship, new babies, Lunar New Year and other events who buy coins. The huge success of the Bluey, remembrance, AFL, NRL and other coin series attest to the diverse mix of customers in the coin space.

At the World Money Fair in Berlin this past week you could see a range of types of buyers of coins.

One of the biggest mistakes I see retailers making is dismissing coins as a viable product category. They think they can’t find or sell to coin collectors. But the reality is, everyone is a potential coin collector given the right circumstances. Coins tap into something primal – a connection to history, a fascination with craftsmanship, and the thrill of owning something rare and valuable. That’s what makes the World Money Fair so important. It showcases the breadth of the market, from classic gold bullion to pop culture collectibles, and everything in between.

Attending the trade show and talking with so many people has helped me understand even better the extent of the coin collector opportunity. It’s an important category in my own shops as well as online, into $1M+ a year. See our mint coin shop website for example.

Unlike the Spring Fair trade show I mentioned in my previous post, World Money Fair in Berlin took up as much space as I had seen previously and the floors were as busy with attendees as ever. This is a show for businesses as well, as individuals, which is interesting if you want to better understand one section of your customer pool.

I am grateful for the opportunity to attend and the insights gained. If all goes well, we will have another couple of mints to represent soon.

Oh, and yes, newsagents can do very well out of selling mint coins and related products.

If you decide to give coins a go, start with a smaller selection to gauge interest and build your knowledge. Partnering with reputable distributors is essential to ensure authenticity and fair pricing. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and learn about the fascinating world of numismatics – your enthusiasm will be contagious!

Here is an example of the broad appeal of coins: Major League Baseball Trading Coins. We have these at mint coin shop.

The New Zealand Mint has launched these and we are grateful to offer them. These aren’t your typical baseball cards; they’re meticulously crafted coins that celebrate America’s favourite pastime. Here’s what makes them stand out:

  • Officially Licence by Major League Baseball. 

  • High-Quality Craftsmanship.

  • Collectible Variety.

  • Rarity and Value.

  • Unique Packaging.

  • Blending  Hobbies.

Whether you’re a die-hard baseball fan, a seasoned coin collector, or someone looking for a unique gift, the New Zealand Mint’s Major League Baseball Trading Coins offer a compelling blend of sports memorabilia and numismatic artistry.

This is one example of a coin product that covers coin collecting, pop culture, sport and gift giving.

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Newsagency management

Spring Fair 2025 in Birmingham is another indicator of the fading role of trade shows

While I am grateful for the opportunity to attend Spring Fair 2025 in Birmingham this year it was smaller than last year and for the time I was there if felt like there were fewer attendees.

Spring Fair has been the must-attend trade show for cards, gifts, homewares and related retailers in the UK and, often, from far away as Australia. I’ve been at least six times, and several times to the related event, Autumn Fair.

I know of some suppliers who have pulled out of Spring Fair to concentrate on web sales to their wholesale customers. Others have pulled out to focus on using platforms such as Faire. Speaking of Faire, they had a stand at Spring Fair, which to me is like having your competitor in your shop selling against you.

While the trade show halls were not as full previously – they used temporary walls to make a huge hall smaller – there were some interesting suppliers as well as plenty of existing suppliers to connect with.

There are a few challenges for trade shows:

The labour cost while you are away from the business in this world of reduced headcount is a challenge. The excellent options for sourcing without travelling to a trade show is a factor too.

For suppliers, these trade shows are expensive. In Australia, a basic small stand at a gift fair will cost more than $15,000 for the stand, furniture, staffing and related costs. Businesses have to weigh up the cost versus the return, which can take several to realise.

This all brings me to my point. The suppliers who don’t do well at these trade shows are those who approach them as they have done for years. Those who do best are those with a fresh approach, a time-attentive approach, pitching new ideas, opportunities and products. These suppliers are offering retailers new ways to make money in their businesses.

All of us involved in trade shows need to reinvent our approach to them. The trade show organisers are demonstrating disinterest in this, so it comes to us. I say us with my hat on as a supplier to retailers. We have to deliver more valuable and enjoyable experiences for retailers. We have to offer a new trade show experience.

The biggest benefit of getting to Spring Fair this year is the same as every year I have been – seeing trends months or a year ahead of when they hit in Australia.

Yes, the role of the trade show is changing. While they have a place, they are not  what we build our year around any more.

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newsagency marketing

Here are 3 things you can do in your newsagency that will boost card sales

Growth in card sales is more up to you the retailer than it is up to the card company. This is a controversial view I know – retailers prefer to blame the card companies rather than themselves.

The best way to see if I am right is to make these 3 changes and see if they boost your card sales.

Pitch impulse purchase of cards. If all your cards are in your card department, you’re unlikely to be encouraging impulse purchase of cards.

Create a secondary placement of cards outside the card department, in a spinner or on a stand. Use something you make or source yourself so you 100% control what is on there. Place it near your main entrance. Change the cards every couple of weeks. Start with cards you love on there.

Place two or three cards at the counter. These need to be cards people will buy to have for when they might need them. Change these weekly.

Place two or three relevant cards with your gift displays.

Promote cards. Let people know what you have and why you are grateful to offer them.

Talk about cards you love on social media. One card per post. At least once a week you should have a social media post about cards.

In your front window create an attention-grabbing display promoting cards. Stop people as they walk past with a display unlike anything you’ve done before.

Run a card specific loyalty program. Buy 8 and get your 9th card free, or something along those lines. Keep it simple. Set a date. The goal is top get more people buying cards more often.

Now, here are a couple of additional moves you can make that absolutely will help increase card sales.

Ensure everyone in the shop knows how to put out new card stock and get them doing this when new stock arrives.

Place your own orders. Always have 100% control over what you do order and when. This ownership from the outset will have you more invested in card performance and that is at the core of growth in card sales.

Most of what I have listed here is NOT done by major card competitors of newsagents. Do these things and you differentiate your business and that helps you make more money from cards, for sure.

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Management tip

Many newsagents embracing the Valentine’s Day in-store customer competition

It’s terrific seeing the in-store displays in so many newsXpress businesses where newsagents are each offering a hamper prize pack filled with goodies. Each prize pack was provided by newsXpress at no cost to the retailers. To enter, customers buy a card, any card, up to February 14. The business draws a local winner. The promotion is helping drive card sales across all captions.

This is a simple yet effective promotion, giving the participating businesses n easily understood mechanic that shoppers appreciate. It’s exclusive to newsXpress.

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Newspaper marketing

Tower Systems continues delivering AI tools in newsagency software

In mid 2022 Tower Systems released the first AI tools for newsagents in newsagency software. They have continued to be enhanced thanks to ChatGPT and Google Gemini integrations. Here’s a video I made with a couple of Tower colleagues two days ago in which we demonstrate more AI advances about to be released in the Tower newsagency POS software.

Today, plenty of newsagents are using the AI tools in the Tower software to same time and make financially rewarding decisions.

There is a lot of noise being published about AI. As this video shows, I prefer actions.

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newsagent software

Transforming your newsagency business: A step-by-step guide fresh start in 2025 for your newsagency

If your plans for your newsagency in 2025 are transformation of the business, I am writing this for you. It’s a simple to follow guide for transformation, a safe guide that anyone can follow.  The advice I’m sharing here comes from years of experience helping newsagents like you transform their businesses.

Understanding your business through your own data

Having a clear picture of your business’s health is crucial for taking steps forward. This involves looking at your business from various angles. Here’s a checklist to get you started:

  • Up-to-date profit and loss statement
  • Current debtors and creditors reports
  • A list of all business debts, formal and informal
  • Stock listing showing total stock value
  • Dead stock listing (items with zero sales in six months or more) with their total value
  • Floor map showing the gross profit percentage contribution by product department/category and floorspace allocation
  • Total rostered hours in a week, including owners (paid or not), and a revenue per hour calculation
  • A revenue comparison down to the category level, comparing the most recent six months with the same period a year earlier

Just wanting to transform your business isn’t enough. You need to understand your current standing and your capacity for change. This data will provide insights into immediate opportunities and the resources available to finance the transformation. This list is the foundation for any business transformation journey I embark on with clients.

Analysing data and taking action

Once you have this data pool, my recommendation is to find some “easy wins” to set the stage for productive focus. For instance, if you have $10,000 or more in dead stock that’s been paid for, get rid of it! The freed-up cash and space will be a big boost. To clear this dead stock, designate a special clearance area, like a table or two, and offer a flat discount on everything there. My suggestion is a 50% discount.

While you’re clearing out dead stock, analyse the remaining data to understand your business’s current performance. Look at the comparison report for any promising opportunities related to your existing business categories. This could be a simple first step to get you started.

As you work through your data, create a list of ideas and action items. You might discover some easy wins you hadn’t noticed before or had been neglecting.

Who should guide you?

Some retailers I’ve spoken with consider using their accountants or business consultants for business transformation or improvement. While they can be valuable resources, in my experience, unless they have current hands-on experience in the newsagency industry, their guidance might not be as effective.

The point here is that it’s your business. You’re looking to make a change, a transformation. The next steps are yours to take, and it’s best if you take ownership of them. This way, you’ll be fully invested in the changes you implement.

Getting your business match fit

This initial step involves data gathering, streamlining operations, and getting your business in top shape. It’s all about preparing you for the more significant changes to come.

But what if your current business data isn’t in good shape, and you’re eager to start making changes right away?

Transforming your newsagency with limited data

If you’re set on transforming your newsagency but your data isn’t up-to-date, there are steps you can take on the shop floor to initiate change. In my experience, businesses in this situation often have a traditional shop floor layout.

The advice I’m providing here focuses on disrupting your current setup. I’ve found that this can help retailers see things from a fresh perspective. It’s a radical approach designed to shake things up in your business. Remember, though, that retail is an ever-evolving industry, so continuous adaptation is key.

Disrupt your layout.  If you have a traditional magazine fixture running down the centre of your shop, with newspapers displayed prominently at the front, take all the stock off and remove the fixture entirely. Don’t overthink it – just rip it out! Move papers to the back of the shop.

Make the shop warm. If you have traditional retail fixtures on the shop floor, remove as many as you can and replace them with everyday items, tables and the like that you find on secondhand marketplaces. Use a rug on the floor to enhance warmth.

Stock what you’d never stock. Find one or two product categories yould never stock in your traditional business. Playing like this way outside what’s usual can help you see what’s possible and this is what can really get you thinking about transformation.

This list is not complete. It;s designed to give you an easy starting point.

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Newsagency management

Maybe a sales counter reset could help your newsagency in 2025

The traditional newsagency counter, once a haven of confectionery and impulse buys, has evolved.  As shopper habits further shift and newsagencies diversify, the opportunities available from a reset counter are considerable.

Managed effectively, the counter can significantly boost your bottom line. This requires dedication – consider it your most valuable real estate.

Suggested rules for counter excellence:

  1. No visible food or drinks unless for sale.
  2. Banish personal items like bags and phones.
  3. Daily cleaning is non-negotiable.
  4. Weekly counter refresh: remove all products, clean, and rebuild.
  5. Minimal signage – every message must serve a purpose.
  6. Employees must purchase from the customer side.
  7. Limit the number of staff behind the counter.
  8. Quarterly counter overhaul – for both staff and customers.
  9. Always assess the counter from the customer’s perspective.

What to Place at the Counter: prioritise profitability:

  1. Set a minimum gross profit margin (e.g., 50%).
  2. Select items that define how you want your business seen, that differentiate your shop.
  3. Select items ideal for with quick, easy sales.
  4. Consider your customer base: lottery players, card buyers, families, etc.
  5. Tell a story with your product selection (e.g., “Fun for Kids”).
  6. Don’t be afraid to experiment!

Counter essentials:

  1. Always feature a rotating selection of cards.
  2. Demonstrate products: play with toys, throw a light-up ball.
  3. Showcase new arrivals and price them visibly.
  4. Highlight engaging magazine articles.
  5. Experiment with pricing – find what works best.

A best practice display is clean and simple: Avoid clutter. It also involves thoughtful / strategic placement: Interrupt transaction sight lines.

Now, for some counter upselling techniques – engage customers: use conversation starters:

  1. “Have you seen this?”
  2. “Kids love this!”
  3. “I love this.”
  4. “We’re running a poll…”
  5. “This is our Facebook deal…”
  6. “Look at this recipe in Better Homes and Gardens…”

Upselling requires practice and confidence. Find what works best for your team.

By implementing these strategies and embracing a customer-centric approach, you can transform your newsagency counter from a cluttered afterthought into a profit powerhouse.

Success lies in understanding your unique customer base and adapting your counter accordingly. Continuously monitor sales, gather feedback, and refine your strategy. By embracing these principles and fostering a culture of innovation, you can unlock the full potential of your newsagency counter and drive significant growth for your business.

If your counter has not significantly chan ged in the last few years, resetting your counter is likely to be an easy win opportunity.

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Management tip

Now, if you haven’t planned 2025 for your newsagency business, here are some tips

I’m going to keep this simple and achievable. If you don’t have a plan for your newsagency for this year, do these things to get started, right away.

Find out what’s not working: the quietest hours of the day, stock that’s not selling, suppliers who are under performing. Your newsagency software can easily reveal these things to you, in seconds. These things provide you with your starting point, they provide you ToDo list.

What’s not working is stock you’re not selling, stock not sold whatsoever over the last, say, six months. List it and quit it. Getting a fraction of the cost is better that you getting nothing, which is what you’re experiencing today. Quit dead stock urgently.

Suppliers not performing are those shown to have stock that’s moving slowly or contributing the least to your grow profit. One you have the list, consider whether to quit the supplier or, maybe, to at least talk with them and explain the situation. Doing nothing with this information is not an option. Take action based on the evidence you have.

The quietest hours of the day are the most expensive in terms of labour cost. Look at your roster. Roster the business for profit over friendship. Or, figure out steps you can take to make those underperforming hours work better for you. Is there work on the business done in other times that can be moved to them?

These three moves are not a complete plan, they are not even part of a plan. The goal here is to give you thinks you can do today, action you can do today.

Action is what 2025 has to be about in every newsagency business. I think this has to be a year of urgency in our channel and we need to drive that urgency ourselves as no one else is likely to drive it for us.

Now before you say I am being melodramatic, the reality is that lottery purchases continue to migrate online, print media sales continue to decline, rents are increasing as are labour costs. These are known things. They alone are enough of a reason for us to see an urgency for us working on our businesses.

If you don’t have a plan for this year, use the steps here and, hopefully, while doing that opportunities for your own plan will come to you.

What you achieve in, with and from your newsagency in 2025 is 100% up to you. Success will come from change.

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Newsagency management

It’s 2025, what can the local Aussie newsagency expect for this year?

With the school year about to start and many now back at work after a summer break, we have an opportunity to turn our mind to 2025.

Hmm, if you’re starting to think about 2025 in your newsagency now, you are coming late to the party. For many, planning for 2025 was well under way six month ago. Never mind. Even late planning is better than no planning.

Let’s start by looking at what we think might happen in 2025 in the context of our Australian newsagency channel.

Newspaper sales will continue to decline. Newspapers will generate less traffic for your business. The financial contribution they make to your profit will fall. I expect over the counter newspaper sales to fall by between 10% and 12% this year.

Magazine sales will continue to fall. While magazines will generate less traffic, the decline will not be as much as newspapers depending on your approach to magazines. Newsagents with a strong commitment to special interest and niche category titles will have a good year. Those who focus only in the top 100 magazine titles will have a less good year. I expect overall magazine unit sales to decline by between 9% and 11% with the majority of that decline to come from the top 100 titles.

Stationery sales will be good, up, in newsagencies that gave a range tuned to local everyday needs as well as a focus on offering stationery for those who love stationery. This is an important distinction. People who buy stationery because they have to focus on convenience and function whereas those who buy stationery because they love it buy because they have found something not often seen elsewhere. Newsagency can play in both of ese spaces well, and thrive. I think stationery revenue can be up 10% if we put our mind to it.

Greeting card sales. As with stationery, people buy greeting cards for different reasons: obligation, guilt, expressing love, to be remembered in the future and because they like the look of a card. Newsagents who do the bare minimum and leave managing the card department to their card suppliers will have a flat year, maybe a decline – not because of the card company but because of the disinterest by the business owner in this vital category. Newsagents actively engaged with cards, those who pitch cards as an impulse purchase and those who understand and lean into the different reasons for buying cards, they will have a good year – I expect growth of 5% to 10% in card sales.

Gift sales. This is open land for harvesting, good land, fertile, ours for the taking – as long as we approach gifts as if this was the only category on which we could rely in our business. If we stock the kind of gifts a supplier says are perfect for a newsagency, the year won’t be so good. If we stock outside that quaint expectation and play outside what our businesses are known for, it could be a good year. I know newsagents expecting 25% growth in gift revenue this year, and more.

Online. This is the biggest opportunity for it’s us reaching people who will never set foot in our shop. In one of my own shops where our website is barely eight months old, we’ve already done $25,000 in online sales in 2025, with nothing spent on marketing. I know of a newsagent mature in online who has done $40,000 this year online. What we achieve is only constrained by our imagination. No, budget is not a factor, not from what I see.

2025 is a year of opportunity for our Australian newsagency channel. What we achieve is up to us. If we do nothing outside of what has been usual for us, we hold our business to the trajectory of 2024 and prior. If we change our approach, if we have a 90p degree turn, if we open some new does, if we fundamentally reset our shop with little consideration of what some expect of an Aussie newsagency, 2025 can be a year of terrific grow, wonderful profit and a feeling of achievement.

What have you got planned for 2025?

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Management tip

How AI tools in newsagency software are helping newsagents run more successful businesses

Since mid 2022, newsagency software had offered embedded AI tools to help newsagents in a range of ways. Tower Systems was first with this and continues to innovate with enhanced facilities that target saving time, enhancing decision making and revealing the unknown abut a business using the software.

Newsagents can choose whether they use the AI tools or not in their software. Here are some ways newsagents are using the AI tools in newsagency software already:

  • Discovering potential in-store theft.
  • Uncovering guaranteed sales opportunities from missed inventory purchases.
  • Knowing what stock to target that has sat unsold for too long.
  • Generating SEO tuned product descriptions.
  • Generating appealing and SEO tuned longer form product descriptions for online sales.
  • Capturing product images and other details without having to manually load these.

A key difference with the AI tools is that the retailer does not had to think, oh, I should go looking for this information. The AI tech., pushes the insights, the opportunities, cutting the time involved by the retailer. It presents the opportunity along with the data to back up the advice / recommendations.

Retailers are time poor and they don’t know what they don’t know. The AI tools never tire and they are always on and available with advice and insights.

I have seen retailers save hours each month. I’ve also seen some make thousands extra in sales as a result of leveraging the insights from the AI tools.

AI facilities are real and available for newsagents. They are a game changer. I say that based on what’s out there now. What’s coming in the next couple of weeks is a generational leap in AI tools for newsagents that will take the benefits to a whole new level. I have been playing with them and they are exciting.

Ai is not something to ignore, not something to think it’s in the future and not practical for today. Too many small business retailers are already making money using these AI tools. They are an opportunity for getting ahead faster, making more money, achieving more with less. It’s exciting.

The integration of AI within newsagency software signifies a pivotal shift in how retailers operate. By proactively identifying theft, uncovering hidden sales potential, and optimising inventory management, these tools empower newsagents to make data-driven decisions, enhance efficiency, and ultimately increase profitability.

The future of newsagency software promises a new era of automation, intelligence, and unprecedented success for retailers who embrace these transformative technologies.

These AI tools are key to the newsagency of the future.

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newsagency of the future

Hey magazine publishers: here’s how to pitch your magazines and retail newsagents on social media

I love this pitch from Cross Stitcher magazine un the UK:

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magazines

Vela APX Announces the Acquisition of Tower Systems

On November 1 last year, I sold my newsagency software company, Tower Systems, to Vela APX, a division of Vela Software Group and Constellation Software Inc (CSI). Fro that date, vela has been in full control of the business and, as Tower customers have experienced since, it’s business as usual: software updates are flowing, customer service is as accessible and helpful as it has always been, and I remain with the company, doing what I was doing.

I am grateful to the thousands of newsagents who have chosen Tower over the decades since 1981 when I started the company. This has been a good channel to me, one I hope to serve for many years to come.

Newsagents were the cornerstone of the Tower Systems business for many years and while the company today operates successfully in sixteen specialty retail markets, newsagents remains a marketplace of considerable value and importance.

As the company serving many more newsagents with its software (57 new newsagency customers in the last 12 months alone) than any other company, Tower appreciates the leadership role and leans into it with care and respect. In our Tower newsagency software there are facilities newsagents can leverage to expand the reach of their businesses, to make them more relevant in a changing marketplace.

2025 will be an exciting year in newsagency software. I say this knowing work already done over the last year and more that is soon to become available.

While the acquisition was finalised on November 1 last year and announced confidentially to Tower customers on that date, it could not be publicly announced until a range of tasks had been completed as required by the public company acquiring the business.

Now, here is the official announcement from Vela:

January 21st, 2024 – Melbourne, Australia – Vela APX, a division of Vela Software Group and Constellation Software Inc (CSI), is pleased to announce the formation of Tower Systems, following the acquisition of assets from Tower Systems International Pty Ltd. This acquisition strengthens Vela’s portfolio and enhances its capabilities across independent retail in Australia and New Zealand.

Tower Systems provides Australian-made and supported Point of Sale (POS) software designed specifically for independent and specialty retailers. With tailored solutions for sectors such as jewelers, garden centres, bike shops, pet stores, and more, Tower Systems empowers local businesses to streamline operations, enhance customer experiences, and grow sustainably. The company also offers integrated services such as eCommerce website development, inventory management, and accounting integrations, ensuring a comprehensive solution for retailers. Backed by a dedicated support team and decades of industry expertise, Tower Systems is a trusted partner for small businesses across Australia and New Zealand.

Mark Fletcher, founder of Tower Systems commented: “I am grateful to have found a happy and strong home for the Tower Systems community of team members and customers and to have done this at a time of my choosing. I am also thankful for the opportunity to continue to serve the business as it evolves in its service of local independent small businesses. Our mission remains: to help local indie retailers thrive.”

Gavin Williams, General Manager of Tower Systems, expressed excitement about joining the Vela Software Group, “We’re excited to join the Vela Software Group, a move that builds on the dedication and talent of our team. This partnership will help us grow, innovate, and continue providing practical solutions that make a real difference for the Retail businesses we are proud to serve.”

Mark Schmutter, Group Director at Vela APX, echoed this sentiment in saying “We are thrilled to welcome Gavin, Mark and the Tower Systems team to the Vela Group. Their expertise in providing real solutions for independent retailers helps to strengthen our position in these markets both in Australia/New Zealand and with our other business unit servicing similar customers in the UK. Tower’s agility, innovation and flexibility, combined with Vela’s network of expertise and resources, will allow them to thrive and continue evolving with their customers.”

This acquisition reinforces Vela’s “connected autonomy” model, providing Tower Systems with the agility to innovate while benefiting from the broader support and resources available within the Vela Group.

For more information on Tower Systems and Vela APX, please visit velaapx.com or contact us at vela_m&a@velaapx.com.

For those interested, here’s what I shared on Facebook today about this:

Tower Systems, a company I founded in February 1981 ( originally as Fletcher DP Services – what a name!), was sold in November 2024 to a subsidiary of a Canadian public company (Constellation Software). I’d been approached many times over the years, but this time felt right, even though selling wasn’t easy.

It was better to place the company, its team, and its customers in good hands now than to risk needing to find a buyer under different circumstances later.

I am grateful to the many who have been part of the Tower team over the years, both those who stayed for decades and those who passed through. This eclectic mix made our work uncommonly interesting, fun, and valuable.

Having my daughter Laura in the business was a joy. Her counsel and support over the last few years and especially the last few months as I approached the decision to sell has been invaluable.

In 2009, the company had a near-death experience, nearly being wiped out. I lost everything I thought I had. The following 14 years have been our best, a testament to the crew from those years, many of whom are still with the company today. We got through it by taking things one step at a time, and by realising who cared.

It’s been an odd time since the sale on November 1, 2024, finding memories of the first days filtering up along with other memories of embarrassment, excitement and joy. I am also reminded of opening the envelope in December 1973 to read my high school results, discovering I had failed. While school is important, the number you are given is not necessarily a measure of your capabilities.

My first job ever, four years with the CSIRO, is what set me on a path in computing and having worked in a newsagency while at High School taught me about business. The two experiences were at the heart of starting Tower in 1981.

I’ll stay on with Tower Systems for two years. I still have, and love, the newsXpress business that serves 200 awesome local Aussie newsagency businesses as well as the associated websites: www.mintcoinshop.com.au, www.myornaments.com.au and www.hugsandlove.com.au.

In the meantime, a short play I wrote, Shirley, is being produced next month for the first time ever – in Chapala, Mexico of all places, by Bravo Theatre (https://thebravo.org).

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Newsagency management

Plenty of takeaways from the National Retail Federation Big Show in New York

I am grateful for the opportunity to spend four days last week attending the NRF Big Show in New York, the largest retail / tech conference and trade show in the world.

While this was predominantly a big business focussed event, there was plenty offered that was independent and small business relevant. I’ll share more detail of that in the businesses in which I serve over the next few weeks. Here are some overall comments abut this terrific event.

The NRF Big Show 2025, organised by the National Retail Federation, attracted around 40,000 attendees and featured around 450 speakers across 200 sessions. The trade show hosted around 1,000 companies. It was a conference and trade show about tech in retail, for retailers.

This year’s theme, “Game Changer,” highlighted the pressing challenges and transformations within retail and urgent need for innovation and adaptability in a rapidly evolving landscape.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) was the hot topic in presentations and on vendor stands. Only a few companies on the trade show flow did not include AI in their key pitch. From the small and niche to the large, AI was the headline. Those without it felt out of date.

The question for Aussie newsagents has to be: how are you using AI to your advantage today?  There are plenty of opportunities already, opportunities that are proven and that you can trust.

AI driven inventory management was an often-covered topic. I sat in sessions on several different businesses (Dicks Sporting Goods, GAP clothing, Freedom Furniture (Australia), Men’s Warehouse, Academy Sports & Outdoors and more.

They covered how AI tools helped them cut inventory management labour costs, improve stock turn, make beneficial dynamic pricing decisions, have less out of stocks and increase sales by giving in-store associates easy access to information.

I had a retailer badge for the show and engaged often through a retailer lens. Here are retailer specific takeaways from my notes:

  • Change is faster than ever.
  • Retail staff need easier access to decision support tools.
  • Most shops don’t need a back office.
  • We should be able to cut inventory by 25% and achieve double-digit sales growth.
  • What you can sell should not be restricted by your type of business.
  • More suppliers are going direct.

This conference and trade show is unlike anything you’d see in Australia. The sheer size brought to the floor businesses and discussions we’ll not see or hear here for a long time. This is where I found opportunity for myself and those I serve.

On AI in running a newsagency business: it’s here, available now and has been for a couple of years. If you’re not using it, you’re falling behind, you’re less competitive.

Now, to round out this brief note, here are a few of the 200 photos I took:

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Newsagency management

Exclusive Valentine’s Day promotion drives card sales for newsXpress retailers

Across Australia, locally owned newsXpress stores are running a Valentine’s Day promotion with one shopper in each store set to win a prize hamper valued at $350+. It’s a greeting card promotion with every card purchase gaining an entry. The goal is to drive engagement with greeting cards. newsXpress has funded the promotion for the shops, providing the products in the prize pack along with in-store collateral. This is an ultra local promotion, a small business promotion designed to encourage local shopping. #ShopLocal #SmallBusiness #ValentinesDay #GreetingCards

This is an excellent example of practical help from the newsXpress newsagency marketing group.

Here are some of the many displays in place.

newsXpress helps its members attract new shoppers and get existing shoppers spending more with innovating advice and support, like this Valentine’s Day promotion. This is on the back of a successful Christmas promotion and a terrific Father’s Day 2024 promotion. each of these promotions has sought to lift card sales for local newsXpress members.

Being exclusive to newsXpress, these promotions help newsXpress members differentiate their businesses from other businesses nearby selling similar products. They help the whole card department in each business as there is no restriction on the cards to purchase to be part of the promotion.

At the start of 2024 we set our theme as MAKING THINGS HAPPEN.

It was a commitment to action, growth, success and enjoyment for newsXpress members.

We have seen terrific results.

We have helped members attract new shoppers with several exclusive new product ranges.

We have newsXpress members recording double-digit card sales growth because of our exclusive store specific card performance data project.

We have helped stores recalibrate their commitment to magazines to make this low margin category work, freeing high value space for better margin product.

Our retail insights trip to Berlin and London was a terrific success with excellent in-store initiatives flowing as a result.

This is what MAKING THINGS HAPPEN is about.

newsXpress is a privately owned company. We have been in business since 2001. We are a marketing group.

We’re not a franchise. Nothing we pitch is mandatory. We do not charge a fee based on your turnover.

In 2019, 2022, 2023 and 2024 we organised (subsidised by newsXpress) overseas travel to attend international trade shows and to see best practice local independent retail in categories of interest to members. We are doing this again in 2025.

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newsagency marketing

Finding new customers for your retail business in the changing circumstances of 2025

Meta’s Elimination of human fact-checkers and the changing landscape of attracting new Ccustomers

Meta’s recent decision to eliminate human fact-checkers signals a significant shift in the social media landscape. This, coupled with the ongoing decline in organic social media reach, necessitates a reassessment of your out-of-store marketing and customer engagement strategies.

While social media remains a valuable tool, it’s no longer sufficient to solely rely on it to attract new shoppers. To cut through the noise and build genuine connections, focus on creating original and engaging content that resonates with your target audience. Share your knowledge, showcase your passion for your products, and encourage interaction by creating content that people want to share.

A robust online presence is paramount. Having a website is critical. Ensure your website is user-friendly, with accurate product descriptions that align with relevant search keywords. A well-maintained blog that provides valuable insights into your products and brand story can further enhance your online visibility.

Leveraging local partnerships is vital. Collaborate with community groups and actively involve their members in promoting your business. Offer incentives or exclusive benefits to encourage their support.

Don’t underestimate the power of traditional marketing. An eye-catching storefront display can still stop passersby in their tracks. Consider in-store sampling events to generate buzz and encourage word-of-mouth.

Hosting regular events throughout the year can significantly boost customer engagement and brand awareness. Plan a diverse range of events, from product demonstrations and workshops to customer appreciation nights and seasonal celebrations. These events not only attract new shoppers but also provide opportunities to showcase your unique offerings and build stronger relationships with your existing customer base.

For businesses in regional areas, consider a targeted letterbox campaign. A well-designed flyer distributed to local letterboxes can effectively promote upcoming events or highlight specific products.

In today’s evolving marketing landscape, a multi-faceted approach is essential. By diversifying your efforts and focusing on building genuine connections with your community, you can effectively navigate the challenges of the digital age and ensure the continued success of your business.

Success with Facebook and Instagram has, according to many plateaued. Factor this into your marketing plans for 2025 to ensure you have new customers reaching your business through other channels.

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Management tip

Valentine’s Day marketing tips for local small business retailers

Newsagents and other local small business retailers have a terrific opportunity with Valentine’s Day. It starts with you understanding that it’s not just about celebrating romantic love. Valentine’s Day is a perfect opportunity to share love, romantic or otherwise. Here are tips for having fun this Valentive’s day and driving success in your shops:

Put your Valentine’s Day cards out early, in the front of the shop so every shopper sees them.

Write about Valentine’s Day cards on social media, one card per post. Highlight fun cards, cards for non-traditional valentine’s day giving, cards you love. Give something of yourself in these posts.

Have one or two Valentine’s Day cards at the counter. Change them every few days.

Have a couple of Valentine’s Day impulse items at the counter: chocolate hearts, photo frame, a cute plush item.

Create a local love wall. Have a pen and a post0it note pad nearby and invite people to write something they love about the town – this shows that Valentine’s Day does not to be about romantic love, it’s about helping people connect with what they love.

Offer a free card selection service. Help people unsure about what card to choose to buy from you.

Offer free training or help with what to write on a card.

Share stories on social media that expand the appeal of the season.

Create a photo opportunity. Create somewhere people can come and be photographed. You could even have an Instax camera there for photos to be taken and put on a wall in your shop.

Pitch non traditional items as Valentine’s Day gifts. here are some ideas:

  • A squishy toy because you make be squishy with love.
  • Marbles because I’m marbles to love you.
  • A superhero products because you are my superhero.
  • A jigsaw so I have more time to spend with you.
  • A journal so you can write how much you love me every day.
  • Photo frames with cool and on-trend love messages.
  • A whoopee cushion because we share everything.
  • Cards Against Humanity because if we can survive this we can survive anything.
  • An Affirmations inspirations box as it brings my encouragement to your work desk.
  • A unicorn because rainbows = love.
  • A music themed mug or other item that connects with a band or song that has special meaning.
  • A plush item so you have something to hug when I am not around.

By embracing the broader spirit of Valentine’s Day and showcasing creative gift ideas, local retailers can not only boost sales but also become a cherished part of their community. This Valentine’s Day, let your shop be a hub of love, laughter, and unique expressions of affection, reminding everyone that love comes in many forms and can be celebrated in countless ways.

What you achieve from Valentine’s Day 2025 is dependent on what you invest in the outcome. Putting stock out is not enough for you to stand out and be talked about among friends. Be engaged. have fun. Make Valentine’s Day this year your best ever.

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marketing tip

About us: The Australian Newsagency Blog, a hub of information about and for Aussie newsagents

The Australian newsagency industry is a dynamic sector, constantly evolving to meet the changing needs of consumers. To stay ahead of the curve, many newsagents rely on the Australian Newsagency Blog as a valuable resource for industry news, insights, and best practices. I am grateful for the interest that I see in traffic and receive from calls and emails from readers here.

What is the Australian Newsagency Blog?

The Australian Newsagency Blog is an online platform dedicated to providing newsagents with the latest information and resources relevant to their businesses. It serves as a central hub for industry professionals to connect, share ideas, and stay informed about the latest trends and developments.

I started it 20 years ago as a place to talk about my own experience owning and running newsagencies.

What kind of content does the blog offer?

The blog covers a wide range of topics, including:

  • Industry news and updates: Stay informed about the latest industry news, including legislative changes, market trends, and competitor activity.
  • Business tips and advice: Learn valuable tips and strategies for improving your business operations, from inventory management and customer service to marketing and sales.
  • Product spotlights: Discover new and exciting products that can help you attract and retain customers.
  • Success stories: Learn from the success stories of other newsagents and gain inspiration for your own business.
  • Events and training: Find out about upcoming industry events and training opportunities.

Why is the Australian Newsagency Blog important for newsagents?

The Australian Newsagency Blog is an essential resource for any newsagent looking to stay competitive in today’s market. By providing access to valuable information and insights, the blog helps newsagents to:

  • Improve their business performance: By implementing the tips and strategies shared on the blog, newsagents can improve their efficiency, profitability, and customer satisfaction.
  • Stay ahead of the competition: The blog provides newsagents with the latest industry news and trends, allowing them to stay ahead of the competition and adapt to the changing market.
  • Connect with other industry professionals: The blog provides a platform for newsagents to connect with each other, share ideas, and build relationships.
  • Access valuable resources: The blog offers a wealth of resources, including articles, videos, and webinars, that can help newsagents to improve their business knowledge and skills.

The Australian Newsagency Blog is available online and can be accessed by anyone with an internet connection. Simply visit the website to explore the latest content and resources.

While I am biased for sure, I think the Australian Newsagency Blog is a valuable resource for any newsagent looking to succeed in today’s competitive market. By providing access to the latest industry news, insights, and best practices, the blog empowers newsagents to make informed decisions, improve their business operations, and thrive in the years to come.

Thank you for stopping by.

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About us

Advice for newsagents on boosting magazine sales

Forget big and bold displays and promotional posters. While publishers like these, there is little evidence that they drive magazine sales. In my experience., this single most valuable action any newsagent can take to boost magazine sales to to do a magazine relay. It’s easy to do, no cost and delivers an excellent return on investment.

A few hours of dedicated effort results in a revenue boost, fresh social media content, and more value. There’s no downside. Fundamentally, it drives increased sales.

If it’s been more than six months since your last magazine relay, you need to do one now.

The Mechanics of a magazine relay

A typical relay can be completed in two hours or less.

While it’s possible to delegate this task, taking ownership of the process is what I recommend. A hands-on approach reinforces your leadership and allows for a more streamlined operation without the complexities of team management. It’s essential to remember that a magazine relay is an ongoing process, not a one-off event. Regular adjustments to the magazine layout are crucial for maintaining sales momentum.

I like to start with taking all magazines off the shelves. This provides a clean canvas. It also provides an opportunity for cleaning.

Optimising magazine placement

Ideally, magazines should be displayed on a dedicated wall space rather than occupying valuable centre fixture real estate typically reserved for higher-margin products.

The visual impact of magazine covers can be diluted by excessive clutter. To maximise their appeal, avoid using product headers.

Full facing, where 100% of the magazine cover is visible, generally delivers optimal results. This is particularly effective for smaller assortments of under 500 titles. For larger assortments, consider tiered fixtures with one title per pocket. However, in some cases, accommodating two or three low-volume, specialised titles within a single pocket can be beneficial.

Leveraging beacon branding

Highlighting specific magazine categories through beacon branding can effectively attract customer attention. Dedicate the top two or three pockets to a single title to create a visual focal point.

The relay process

When undertaking a magazine relay, focus on creating an engaging and visually appealing display. Work systematically, removing and rebuilding sections of the fixture while maintaining clear spaces to avoid confusion. Continuously assess your progress and consider how each placement contributes to the overall narrative.

The art of adjacency

Experimentation is key to discovering the most effective product adjacencies. While there are general guidelines, the ideal arrangement can vary depending on customer behaviour and preferences. For example, consider whether grouping titles by brand or by interest category drives better sales.

Some potential adjacency combinations include: cricket, golf, and swimming; wrestling, boxing, and fitness; and creative arts (painting, writing, craft). However, it’s essential to avoid mixing unrelated titles such as soccer and rugby.

Customer considerations

When designing the magazine display, prioritise customer ease and comfort. Avoid placing titles aimed at older customers in difficult-to-reach locations.

Post-relay actions

Once the relay is complete, share your vision with the team and encourage feedback. Monitor customer behaviour and sales performance closely. The insights gained from these observations can inform future adjustments to the magazine layout.

By following these guidelines and maintaining a focus on customer needs, you can significantly enhance your magazine sales through effective merchandising.

Dping a magazine relay is a great way to kick off 2025. You’ll make more money from magazines if you do it.

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magazines

More newsagents add websites in pursuit of online sales

More newsagents have launched websites to reach new shoppers. They have used Tower Systems to create the POS software connected websites. Here are some of the new websites connected with newsagency businesses:

What you’ll notice is that none of these present as newsagency businesses online. This is a conscious decision, made to attract shoppers based on purchase intent rather than shingle preference.

Being online is more critical than ever. It is the best way to attract new shoppers, leverage existing inventory, retail space and labour as well as top plot a fresh and profitable path forward for the business.

Tower Systems has team of skilled Shopify web developers, all working from in Victoria. This matters since many web developers actually outsource development to offshore businesses.

Tower offers a one stop shop service whereby we offer specialty retail POS software and beautiful Shopify websites connected to this POS software. The connection is safe, fast and seamless. The Shopify websites we develop are made specifically for each retailer customer, to their needs, meeting their requirements, populated with data that is collated through the integrated POS software.

Being a Shopify website developer and a POS software developer in the one business and being Australian based business positions Tower well to serve the needs of local Australian retailers. Being so engaged with the newsagency channel is a reason Tower has helped so many newsagents attract new shoppers through their websites.

The Tower Systems Shopify website development for small business retailers is done on a fixed price basis.

By embracing e-commerce and leveraging Tower Systems’ newsagency and web development expertise, newsagents can unlock a world of new opportunities. From seamless website integration to a focus on targeted customer acquisition, Tower Systems empowers newsagents to thrive in the digital age. Isn’t it time your newsagency joined the growing number of successful online retailers? Contact Tower Systems today and let them help you chart your course to a prosperous future.

Take a look at the websites we have listed here. They are for newsagency businesses. They are unique, fresh, engaging and relevant. They put a fresh face on these newsagency businesses, and that’s vital in 2025.

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newsagency of the future

Are newsagents dying?

Are newsagents dying? No, newsagents are not dying. Australia has somewhere around 2,500 newsagency shops and while some have closed in recent years, the size of the Australian newsagency network is strong, good, and healthy.

I am writing about this today because I see people asking Google and elsewhere Are newsagents dying? I figured publishing an answer would be helpful.

Newsagents are changing. Many do not look like a newsagency any more. They offer non newsagency traditional products and services like high end gifts, clothing, camping goods, pet supplies, books, baby clothes, coffee and more.

Smart Aussie newsagents saw the decline in the sale of print media and the migration of some products like lotteries to online and evolved. I know of newsagents today making two thirds of their revenue selling items you’d not have seen in a newsagency a few years ago. Are newsagents dying? No, not at all. Engaged newsagents are thriving and loving serving their local community.

Less smart newsagents continued to run traditional newsagency businesses. These tend to be the ones closing.

Here’s evidence that newsagencies are not dying: Aussie newsagents sell close to half all magazines sold in shops, a third of all greeting cards sold in shops and a growing percentage of gifts sold in shops and a decent chunk of stationery. Add to this the growing value of categories relatively new to the channel and online sales to Australian newsagencies. I know of newsagents doing hundreds of thousands of dollars a year in sales online.

In regional and rural Australia especially the Aussie newsagency is not dying as these businesses evolve to be more than the newsagency you might remember from the 1980s or before. Today these newsagencies are coffee shops, toy shops, gifts shops, bookshops and fashion shops. These Aussie newsagencies in regional and rural Australia are vital retail in town. Are newsagents dying? No, not at all.

While the local Aussie newsagency offers familiar categories like stationery, cards, magazines, papers and even lotteries, it’s the new areas that new shoppers are coming to see: collectible coins, collector cards, higher end gifts, unique games, locally made personal care and grooming products, the latest books and tasty coffee.

Just because a business identifies as a newsagency it does not mean they identify as what you think a newsagency is. The local Aussie newsagency today could be a shop offering anything at all. The name, or the shingle, is less relevant than ever.

Are newsagents dying? No. More proof of this is the number of new newsagencies opening. At Tower Systems, the supply of software to more newsagents than any other software company, new newsagency openings in the last year have been strong. These are new rooftops.

The local Australian newsagency is not dying. It’s changing is all, and these changes are good, they help sustain bountiful life for the local Aussie newsagency.

The modern newsagency is a vibrant shop in its local community and attracting plenty of shoppers from out of town, evolving to meet the changing needs and desires of their customers near and far. They’ve become destinations for unique finds, from quirky gifts and stylish clothing to locally crafted goods and delicious coffee. This diversification not only ensures their survival but also enriches the local retail landscape, offering residents a convenient and engaging shopping experience.

Are newsagents dying? No, they have a bright future.

I’ve been working with newsagents as a supplier since 1981 and as a newsagent myself since 1996. Sure there has been change and some closures. Bigger than these things is the changes delivered by newsagents themselves. They embrace change and everyday demonstrate a resilience for which they can feel proud.

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newsagency of the future

Employee theft in the newsagency: it can’t be them, they’re family

From the data captured from point-of-sale software from my software company being used in their business, I was able to show Harry and June that their newsagency business was being stolen from to the tune of at least $2,000 a week, that it had been going on for two years, and that it was only happening four specific days a week.

This was years ago.

Harry, June and I were sitting in a coffee shop near their business. They brought the shop employee roster with them, as I had asked. There was only one person who worked the days and specific hours in which I was interested.

I targeted specific hours because I could see from data captured by the software that certain adjustments were made on specific days in an attempt to hide theft, adjustments Harry and June had neglected to track.

‘It can’t be; they’re family,’ June said, looking across at Harry.

‘She’s my niece,’ said Harry. ‘She’s amazing in the shop. Customers love her.’

‘We couldn’t run the business without her,’ June chipped in.

‘Yeah, it’s got to be a mistake,’ Harry said, looking at the roster.

Harry had reached out to me a couple of weeks earlier, as their accountant had advised him that the newsagency was not making the type of money that it should. The accountant had said to him, ‘Something’s not right.’

Harry thought there was something wrong with the newsagency software. That’s why he called me. he wanted me to fix what he considered to be my problem.

I asked for a copy of their data and did a deep dive into a hidden set of encrypted sales records stored by the software to enable this type of investigation of possible employee fraud.

Having done this type of research many times in the past and having worked with police and prosecutors as an expert witness, I knew for certain that Harry and June’s niece was stealing from by them.

However, they left the coffee shop meeting still convinced that the problem was with the software. It was another year before Harry and June followed my advice, installed hidden cameras, and got the evidence to implicate their niece, they got the money shot: the tampering with the data and the removal of cash from the cash drawer into their pocket.

The day they confronted their niece, she walked out. They never recovered the money. They feared a split in the family and didn’t pursue criminal charges.

In all, Harry and June lost well over $300,000. They sold the business soon after and have not bought a retail business since.

Be sure to understand and use the tools in your newsagency software that can help mitigate the cost of employee theft.

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theft

The biggest risk to any independent retail business in 2025 is sitting still.

This year local independent retail businesses, like Aussie newsagents, face a confluence of challenges that further threaten traditional business models and viability. These challenges stem from economic pressures, evolving consumer behaviour, rapid technological advancements, and a complex regulatory environment.

There are the ramifications of post-pandemic economic recovery, characterised by persistent inflation and rising costs, which have led to diminished consumer spending power and declining sales in discretionary items such as printed media and gifts.

Newsagents with lotteries have the challenge of the migration to online purchase as well as the ever present supplier challenges (outside of WA).

The ongoing shift towards digital news consumption continues to erode the market share of physical newsagents, compelling many already to have reconsidered their operational strategies in order to remain relevant. This will continue in 2025, at a faster pace.

Regional disparities amplify these challenges, with newsagents in economically robust areas faring better than those in regions with high insolvency rates, particularly on the East Coast of Australia.

Smart newsagents have diversified their offerings, including online services and specialty non-traditional products, to mitigate the impacts of declining revenue from traditional sources. The industry has already witnessed a reduction in the number of newsagents, this will continue in 2025.

With labour and retail occupancy costs set to rise by 5% this year, newsagents are having to find ways to achieve more from existing resources. This brings us back to the importance of diversification and the importance of online. I have seen online add 10% and more in revenue to a retail business. I have seen newsagents diversify and add 20% of revenue.

Diversification and online are the top focuses retail newsagents need to have in 2025, even those who are online already and those who have dioversified already.

What you did last year is not enough for 2025.

The biggest risk to any independent retail business in 2025 is sitting still.

Despite these hurdles, the industry presents opportunities for adaptation and growth. Newsagents can leverage a predicted recovery in consumer confidence to enhance customer relationships and service offerings in 2025. By embracing technology, bringing in shoppers for what you’ve not been known for previously and aligning with changing consumer values—such as the demand for local products and sustainability—Aussie newsagents may find pathways to not only survive but thrive in an increasingly competitive market.

What happens in your business this year is up to you.

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newsagency of the future

Happy New Year

Happy New Year. Thanks for stopping by.

2024 has been a year of resilience and adaptation. While headlines focused on the cost of living, my experience (and that of many other retailers) tells a different story. Consumers are prioritising experiences that bring them joy, and that’s showing in our channel. Sales of puzzles, games, and collectibles are strong, growing, as people seek entertainment at home. The rise of online shopping has also been a boon for Aussie newsagents. We’ve seen fantastic growth in online revenue, with some newsagents adding over $150,000 this year.

If your newsagency isn’t experiencing this same success, you’re not alone! There are many resources available to help.

The Aussie newsagency community is here to support you.  Reach out to me at mark@newsxpress.com.au and let’s chat about your business and what you’d like to achieve.

Have an awesome 2025!

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newsagency of the future

Boxing Day is vital for newsagents in major shopping centres

The Boxing Day sales are a crucial event for small business retailers in shopping centres in Australia, especially on the east coast. This annual shopping event  presents a unique opportunity for these businesses to boost sales.

The Boxing Day sales draw significant crowds to shopping centres. This surge in foot traffic provides small retailers with excellent exposure to potential customers who may not have visited their store otherwise.

Smart retailers have bought for the sale and they use the Boxing Day sales to offload excess stock. This helps them free up valuable shelf space for new merchandise and generate much-needed cash flow.

By participating in the Boxing Day sales, small businesses can ride on the marketing coattails of the big retailers who spend up on advertising.

Successful Boxing Day sales can enhance a small business’s reputation and create a positive brand association with value and affordability.

In you are in a shopping centre, the Boxing Day sale can be a valuable engagement opportunity.

In my own situation, in high street stores, it’s not as much of a thing. Online, however, it’s HUGE.

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Management tip
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