In the ever-evolving retail landscape, newsagents face unique challenges and opportunities. Adaptability and innovation are key to staying relevant and profitable. In this blog post, we share insights from Mark and Shelley, owners of newsXpress Sarina, who have successfully navigated the changing retail landscape for over two decades.

From Passion to Profitability

Mark and Shelley’s journey into the newsagency business began in 2001, driven by their passion for reading and community engagement. They faced numerous challenges, including declining print circulation and increasing competition from online retailers. However, they remained resilient and focused on adapting their business model to meet the evolving needs of their customers.

Embracing Change and Innovation

One of the key factors in Mark and Shelley’s success has been their willingness to embrace change and innovate. They expanded their product offerings to include magazines, books, greeting cards, and stationery. They also invested in technology to improve their customer experience and streamline their operations.

Focusing on Profitability

Mark and Shelley emphasise the importance of focusing on profitability, not just revenue. They carefully analyse sales data and identify opportunities to increase margins and reduce costs. They also implement effective pricing strategies and negotiate favorable deals with suppliers.

Taking Calculated Risks

Taking calculated risks is another essential aspect of thriving in the retail landscape. Mark and Shelley were not afraid to try new things, such as launching a loyalty program or hosting community events. They carefully weighed the potential risks and rewards before making any decisions.

Enjoying the Journey

In addition to their business success, Mark and Shelley also emphasise the importance of enjoying the journey. They stressed the importance of maintaining a healthy work-life balance and finding time for hobbies and interests outside of the business.

Key Takeaways for Aspiring Newsagents

Based on their experience, Mark and Shelley offer the following advice to aspiring newsagents:

• Embrace change and innovate.
• Focus on profitability, not just revenue.
• Take calculated risks.
• Enjoy the journey.
• Build strong relationships with your customers and suppliers.
• Invest in your staff and provide them with the training and support they need to succeed.
• Utilize technology to improve your customer experience and streamline your operations.
• Stay up-to-date on the latest trends and developments in the retail industry.

By following these tips, newsagents can position themselves for success in the ever-changing retail landscape.

Mark and Shelley’s story is a testament to the power of adaptability, innovation, and hard work. By embracing change and focusing on their customers’ needs, they have built a successful and profitable newsagency business. Their journey serves as an inspiration to all newsagents who are looking to thrive in the digital age.

Now, in their own words …

Here at newsXpress we are passionate about helping local retailers run valuable and enjoyable businesses.

Media coverage in 2024 surrounding the closure of a couple of newsagencies unfortunately painted a bleak and inaccurate picture of the entire newsagency sector. Attributing the decline solely to the waning popularity of print media is a simplistic and false portrayal of the reality facing many newsagencies today.

While it’s undeniable that print media consumption is changing, this doesn’t necessarily translate to widespread newsagency closures. In fact, many newsagencies are successfully navigating this evolving landscape by adapting their offerings and embracing new opportunities.

The truth is, newsagencies are more than just places to buy newspapers and magazines. They are community hubs, offering a diverse range of products and services that cater to the evolving needs of their customers.

So, how can newsagencies thrive in this changing environment?

• Embrace the Power of Social Media:

  • Showcase your uniqueness: Go beyond traditional product categories like magazines and lottery tickets. Highlight your exciting range of gifts, clothing, books, and toys.
  • Share your passion: Celebrate local Australian products and express your gratitude for the support of your community.
  • Build relationships: Engage with your customers by responding to comments and messages.

• Revamp Your In-Store Experience:

  • Create a visual spectacle: Make your window display a focal point. Feature unexpected and eye-catching products to entice passersby.
  • Surprise and delight: Introduce product categories that customers wouldn’t typically associate with a newsagency.
  • Keep it fresh: Regularly refresh your displays to maintain interest and encourage repeat visits.

• Elevate Your Counter Offerings:

  • Replace the mundane: Swap out traditional counter items like chewing gum with more enticing and impulse-buyable products.
  • Curate a unique selection: Offer a range of products that complement your overall store aesthetic and appeal to your target audience.

• Go Beyond the Expected:

  • Feature unexpected product categories: Dedicate a section of your store to unique and surprising offerings.
  • Embrace a “treasure hunt” approach: Encourage customers to explore your store and discover hidden gems.

The Importance of differentiation

The key to success lies in offering a unique and differentiated product mix. Explore new suppliers, attend industry events outside your usual circles, and embrace the unexpected.

It’s crucial to remember that the decline of print media (currently estimated at 10-12% per year) is not the primary driver of newsagency closures. In many cases, closures are due to factors like lease expirations or the need for a career change.

The most significant factor is irrelevance. If your newsagency doesn’t offer products and services that resonate with your local community, it will struggle to survive.

By embracing change and focusing on providing a unique and valuable customer experience, newsagencies can not only survive but thrive in today’s competitive market. It requires dedication and hard work, but the future of your business is ultimately in your hands. Let’s push back against the negative narratives and demonstrate the true potential of the modern newsagency.

newsXpress helps local newsagents run businesses they enjoy, businesses that deliver value to the owners and all who rely on the them for income.

Okay, so you can buy stationery from a ton of places: from the big blue stationery shop to online retailers, supermarkets, and other big businesses.

There is a difference, though, in much of the stationery big businesses sell and what your local Aussie newsagency offers, and we’re here to talk about that today.

Your local neighbourhood newsagency is a great place to find high-quality stationery to help you get organised and stay on top of your tasks. Local is the key word there. Being local, they support live local, they’re part of the community, your community.  

Convenience: Time is money. You don’t have time to spend driving around town trying to find the perfect notebook or pen, or waiting for an online order to arrive. By shopping at your local newsagency, you can quickly and easily find everything you need in one place.

Selection: Newsagencies carry a wide range of stationery products, from basic ballpoint pens to high-end pens, and from simple spiral notebooks to luxurious leather-bound journals. With so many options to choose from, you’re sure to find the products to suit your needs and style. Seeing is believing.  

Quality: Newsagencies are known for carrying brand-name products. If quality matters, you’ll like this. Newsagents tend to use the stationery they sell. If it’s on their shelves, they recommend it. You don’t get that in a big business where it’s all about volume.

Supporting Local Business: When you shop at your local newsagency, you’re supporting a small business in your community, and community matters to all of us locals for sure. The economy is circular, and the more you spend locally, the more help is available locally.   

Fun and Stylish: Stationery can be fun, as you can see in many local newsagencies where the shelves offer fun stationery for the kids, colourful stationery for the home office, and eco-friendly stationery for the planet.

Next time you’re in the market for some new stationery, check out your local newsagency. With their convenient location, great selection, and high-quality products, you’re sure to find everything you need to stay organised and inspired.

Footnote: Some may say that the local newsagency is expensive. Any time a price check has been done on a basket of home office stationery requirements, the local newsagency has performed well; they have not been the most expensive. Often they are among the cheapest without even factoring in the amount you save on petrol.

Just last week we chose 12 everyday stationery items and price checked our local newsXpress newsagency against two other big businesses, the newsagency for the overall basked was cheaper in one case by a couple of dollars and a few cents more in the other case.

Thanks for considering buying your stationery needs from your local newsagency.

The school bell is ringing, signalling the start of a new academic year and the inevitable last-minute back-to-school shopping frenzy. This year, let’s break free from the big-box mentality and rediscover the magic of shopping local, specifically at our neighbourhood newsagencies.

Gone are the days of dusty shelves and limited selections. Many modern newsagencies have undergone a remarkable transformation, evolving into vibrant hubs brimming with exciting possibilities. You’ll find a curated selection of high-quality stationery brands, from trusted classics to trendy new releases. Need inspiration for a teacher’s gift? Look no further! Newsagencies often stock a delightful range of unique and thoughtful presents, perfect for showing your appreciation. And let’s not forget the extensive card selection – the perfect accompaniment to any back-to-school gift or note.

But the benefits of shopping local extend far beyond product selection. By choosing your local newsagency, you’re directly supporting the heart of your community. These businesses are often locally owned and operated, employing local residents and contributing to the vibrant fabric of your neighbourhood.

Furthermore, your support has a ripple effect. Local newsagencies are pillars of the community, actively involved in supporting local schools and community groups through sponsorships, donations, and fundraising initiatives. By choosing to shop local, you’re directly contributing to these vital community efforts.

While big-box stores may boast lower prices on some items, it’s crucial to consider the bigger picture. The allure of “cheap” can be deceptive. Often, these lower prices come at the expense of quality. You might find yourself replacing broken or subpar items shortly after purchase, ultimately costing you more in the long run.

Moreover, the “price match” promises offered by large retailers can be misleading. They may not always be comparing like-for-like products, often substituting higher-quality items with cheaper, imported alternatives.

This back-to-school season, let’s make a conscious effort to prioritise quality, community, and conscious consumption. Let’s choose to support the businesses that support us. Let’s choose to shop local at our neighbourhood newsagencies.

Remember:

• Quality over Quantity: Invest in durable, long-lasting products that will withstand the rigours of the school year.
• Support Your Community: Every purchase at your local newsagency directly supports your neighbourhood and the vital community initiatives it underpins.
• Experience the Difference: Discover the personalised service and unique shopping experience that only your local newsagency can offer.

So, this back-to-school season, let’s ditch the big-box mentality and rediscover the joy of shopping local. Let’s make a positive impact on our communities and ensure our neighbourhood newsagencies continue to thrive for years to come.

Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, and you’re probably thinking about how to show your loved ones how much you care. While a quick trip to the supermarket might seem convenient, there’s a much better option: your local newsagency!

Why shop local for Valentine’s Day cards?

• Unbeatable selection: Newsagencies offer an incredible variety of cards to suit every taste and budget. From playful and quirky to romantic and heartfelt, you’re sure to find the perfect card to express your feelings.
• A relaxed shopping experience: Say goodbye to crowded aisles and awkward encounters. Newsagencies provide a comfortable and relaxed environment where you can browse at your own pace and find the perfect card without the stress.
• Expert advice: Need some inspiration? The friendly staff at your local newsagency are always happy to offer helpful suggestions and ensure you find the perfect card for your loved one.
• Creating lasting memories: Valentine’s Day cards are more than just pieces of paper. They’re cherished keepsakes that can be treasured for years to come. By choosing a unique and heartfelt card from your local newsagency, you’re giving a gift that will be remembered long after the chocolates are gone.
• Supporting your community: Shopping local strengthens your community and helps to support local businesses.

For a truly personal and meaningful Valentine’s Day, choose the unique and heartfelt selection at your local newsagency. Avoid the stress of supermarket crowds and find the perfect card to express your unique love. You’ll not only discover a treasure trove of options but also support your local community with every purchase. Don’t wait until the last minute – visit your local newsagent today and experience the difference a truly local shopping experience can make

Newsagencies go the extra mile to ensure your Valentine’s Day shopping experience is exceptional. Many offer quiet spaces to write your heartfelt messages and even provide writing assistance if needed.

This Valentine’s Day, choose to shop local and experience the difference. Your local newsagency is the best place to find the perfect card and show your loved ones how much you care.

So, what are you waiting for? Head to your local newsagency today and discover the perfect Valentine’s Day card!

Your local newsXpress newsagency is here to help you make this Valentine’s Day memorable for those you love.