newsXpress CEO Mark Fletcher made this video in September 2024 following poor reporting by the ABC about a newsagency that closed in Victoria.

This video explores the evolving landscape of Australian newsagencies, challenging outdated perceptions and offering a forward-thinking perspective on the path to success. Delve into an analysis that moves beyond the traditional view of newsagencies as simple community hubs, and discover how these organisations are transforming into dynamic and profitable retail businesses.

The presentation highlights innovative strategies that successful newsagencies are employing, from expanding their product offerings to include categories like beverages, toys, and gifts, to leveraging the power of online sales to reach a global customer base. Learn how a proactive and engaged approach to retail can unlock new revenue streams and ensure the long-term viability of these essential businesses. This video is a valuable resource for anyone in the retail sector, providing practical examples of how to adapt and thrive in a changing market.

Discover the proactive strategies that are empowering modern newsagencies to not only survive but thrive in today’s competitive landscape. This presentation delves into practical, real-world examples of how businesses are achieving significant success by:

• Expanding product categories to include high-growth areas such as drinks, coffee, toys, and gifts.
• Broadening their customer base beyond the local community through powerful online sales channels, including international shipping.
• Innovating their business models by testing new products online that later become in-store bestsellers.This is essential viewing for any newsagent, retail professional, or entrepreneur looking to understand the keys to profitability and long-term success in the evolving Australian market.

The Australian newsagency is evolving. This video challenges traditional thinking and showcases how savvy operators are finding new paths to profitability by diversifying their offerings and embracing e-commerce. A must-watch for anyone in the Australian retail sector.

newsXpress helps newsagents navigate change, embrace opportunities and love their business more along the way. Our focus is on helping local small business retailers thrive in a time of wonderful opportunity and extraordinary change.

Our ideal newsagency is one owned and run by someone who wants to run a successful local retail business they love.

What’s the future of the Aussie newsagency? Bright if you embrace change and don’t allow yourself to be constrained by legacy thoughts on the shingle.

Balancing the demands of a small business with personal life is a challenge for many, and often lonely.

For many newsagents, the balancing act is even more complex due to complex local settings, changing economic situations, new competition, and shifting supplier dynamics.

It can feel overwhelming sometimes.

Too often, we see changes forced on newsagents without care as to the personal impact.

Some people find the weight of these pressures unbearable.

newsXpress will help as much as we are able. If you want to talk, reach out to us direct on 0418 321 338. We’d be grateful to listen.

We are not alone in life, no matter how challenging the situation.

If you or someone you know is feeling overwhelmed, please reach out. We know from health carer professionals that talking about suicide with someone may reduce the risk.

Signs of distress can be subtle, they can be a cry for help. If you notice changes in someone’s behaviour, such as withdrawal, increased irritability, or a sudden decline in performance, talk and offer support. A simple conversation can offer comfort and understanding.

Remember, you are not alone. If you are struggling, please reach out to a mental health professional or a crisis hotline, please talk with someone.

Here are resources that can help:

• Lifeline has an excellent 24 hours help line 13 11 14.
• Beyond Blue also offers a 24 hour counselling service: 1300 22 4636.
• In Victoria, the Suicide Line is a 24 hour service: Call 1300 651 251.

Let’s all of us in our channel work harder to create a supportive community where everyone feels valued and heard.

Let’s look out for one another, be the kind of colleague who notices when someone is struggling and have the courage to start a conversation.

A simple “how are you doing?” can be a lifeline. By fostering a culture of genuine care and mutual support, we can ensure no one has to navigate these pressures alone. Let’s be the community that listens.

newsXpress is a community of small business retailers who support each other. We are here for each other, and you too. If you feel we could help personally or with your business, please reach out. We are good listeners.

The Australian newsagency landscape is at a crossroads. While traditional models face a challenging market, a new breed of transformed newsagencies are thriving.

For local small business newsagents across the country, the key to a profitable future lies in strategic evolution, a path newsXpress is dedicated to paving for its partners.

In the competitive world of small business retail, profitability is the ultimate measure of success. It’s the immediate financial gain that keeps the doors open and the foundation upon which future business value is built. For newsagents considering their long-term goals, including the eventual sale of their business, a strong and consistent profit record is paramount.

Recent industry analysis paints a stark picture: the gap between traditional and transformed newsagencies is widening. While businesses clinging to an outdated model are experiencing declines in revenue and foot traffic, those that have embraced diversification and modernisation are seeing significant growth in profitability and overall business value. This transformation is not about abandoning the core of the newsagency but enhancing it to meet the evolving needs of today’s consumer.

Pivoting to Profit: How newsXpress Drives Success

At newsXpress, we understand that profitability is the cornerstone of a resilient and valuable newsagency. Our approach is a collaborative one, providing our partners with the tools, strategies, and support to navigate the changing market and unlock their full potential. We focus on practical, profit-driven solutions that have a tangible impact on your bottom line.

Our commitment to your success is demonstrated through a range of specialised services:

• Strategic Inventory Management: We provide in-depth analysis of product turnover to help you optimise your stock levels. This data-driven approach allows you to reduce carrying costs on slow-moving items and invest more heavily in high-performing products, ensuring your inventory is always working for you.
• Leveraging Supplier Relationships: With a network of over 130 preferred suppliers, newsXpress members gain access to competitive pricing, exclusive products, and first-to-market opportunities. This allows you to differentiate your business from the competition and offer your customers unique and sought-after items.
• Boosting Cash Flow: Our central billing program offers the significant advantage of delayed billing terms. This practical support improves your day-to-day cash flow, giving you greater financial flexibility to invest in new opportunities and manage operational expenses.
• Actionable Training and Guidance: We provide hands-on, shop-floor tactical training designed to deliver immediate results. Our guidance focuses on increasing inventory turnover, improving your return on investment, optimising your retail space for maximum customer engagement, and enhancing labour productivity.

The newsXpress Partnership Advantage

Aligning your business with newsXpress offers a clear pathway to a more profitable and secure future. The benefits of our partnership are clear:

• Increased Profitability: Our comprehensive strategies are all geared towards one primary goal: boosting your bottom line and ensuring the long-term financial health of your business.
• Enhanced Business Value: A consistently profitable newsagency is a more attractive asset to potential buyers. We help you build a strong financial track record that will significantly increase the value of your business when you decide to sell.
• Exclusive Market Opportunities: Our strong supplier network provides you with a competitive edge through unique product offerings and early access to emerging trends.
• Improved Operational Efficiency: Our expert training and guidance empower you to streamline your operations, reduce unnecessary costs, and create a more efficient and profitable business environment.

Crucially, partnering with newsXpress does not mean sacrificing your independence. We believe that the most successful businesses are those driven by the passion and local knowledge of their owners. Nothing we propose is mandatory; you are always in complete control of every decision for your retail business.

The future of the Australian newsagency is one of opportunity. By embracing change and partnering with a group that understands the nuances of the modern retail landscape, you can transform your business, drive profitability, and build a valuable asset for the future.