Running an independent newsagency is a complex endeavour, yet the right partnership can transform daily challenges into sustainable growth. At newsXpress, we focus on helping business owners find new customers, increase shopper spend per visit, and ultimately, find more enjoyment in their work. We are 100% focussed on the success of our member businesses through active collaboration and evidence-based advice.

A Different Kind of Retail Group

newsXpress is not a traditional franchise; it is a privately owned marketing group established in 2001. We do not enforce mandatory pitches or charge fees based on your turnover. Instead, we charge a flat monthly membership fee of $295.00 for your first store, with up to two additional stores included at no extra cost.

Our small head office team brings decades of diverse retail experience. This team includes:

• Mark Fletcher (Managing Director): A newsagency owner since 1996.
• Laura Sharp: retail management experience and marketing experience.
• Anthony Suta: 18 years of expertise in physical and online retail strategy.
• Jennifer Searle: Over 30 years of experience as a supplier manager and retail mentor.
• Michael Elvey: 28 years specialising in tech, data analysis, and shop floor management.
• Chris Farrell: 15 years of experience across independent and national corporate retail.

The Seasonal Edge Advantage

One of our most significant member benefits is the Seasonal Edge program, which is exclusive to newsXpress and provided at no cost to members. In 2025, we allocated more than $1,500 per member to fund prizes and marketing collateral.

This program provides each shop with a high-value prize pack (worth $350 or more) to give away during major seasons like Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, and Christmas. The program is designed to drive local engagement and has resulted in proven revenue bumps, including reported 20% increases in high-margin greeting card sales for some stores.

Evidence-Based Business Growth

We help you make informed decisions by assessing your business data to identify “low-hanging fruit” and opportunities for improvement. Our whole-of-business approach focuses on critical touchpoints:

• Profitability: We help you buy better through 130+ preferred suppliers and central billing programs that unlock delayed payment terms.
• Efficiency: We provide tactical training to improve stock turn, shrinkage, and return on investment for labour and floor space.
• Differentiation: We help you cast your business differently to improve “shopper stickiness” and attract new traffic.
• Exclusivity: Many of our preferred suppliers provide exclusive products or first-to-market opportunities that are not available to other newsagents.

Transparency and Community

We believe in full transparency and share our financial performance data with members at national conferences and in one-on-one sessions. Funds are consistently reinvested into the business to support members through difficult times, fund overseas trade show visits to stay ahead of trends, and provide market-leading lower EFTPOS fees.

Ultimately, newsXpress is a community where you can find business mentors and peers to help navigate the complexities of retail. Success brings happiness, and our goal is to help you achieve both.

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newsXpress is a marketing group that supports small local independent retailers to thrive. Find out more at help@newsxpress.com.au.

Running an independent newsagency in Australia today presents a unique set of challenges. If you are feeling stuck, facing financial hurdles, or simply unsure of how to adapt to a changing retail landscape, you do not have to navigate these issues alone. Since 2001, newsXpress has operated as a dedicated marketing group with a single mission: helping local retailers build businesses they truly enjoy.

A Personalised Approach to Growth

We believe that every business is unique, which is why our advice is never one-size-fits-all. Our process begins by understanding exactly where you are today. We take a deep dive into your current situation, including:

• Financial Health: We review your P&L, balance sheets, and any existing debt.
• Inventory Analysis: We evaluate your current product mix to identify what is working and what is missing.
• Capacity Assessment: We look at the resources you have available to determine the best path forward.

From there, we provide tailored strategies to save money and convert your store into a retail space that is relevant to today’s consumers.

Expert Support Across Every Department

newsXpress members gain access to a team of professionals with decades of experience in the retail industry. We provide practical assistance in areas that matter most to your bottom line:

• Financial Planning: Our team helps you create a budget to build long-term financial strength.
• Shop Floor Layout: We offer creative expertise to design more appealing and effective store layouts.
• Supplier Relations: We act as a bridge to resolve issues with suppliers or help you open new accounts.
• Landlord Negotiations: We provide guidance to help you find better outcomes in your leasing situations.
• Advanced Technology: We leverage our deep knowledge of retail technology and Artificial Intelligence (AI) to help you run a more efficient operation.

Proven Results for Independent Retailers

We currently serve approximately 190 diverse businesses across every state and territory in Australia. While we work with capital city and suburban stores, the majority of our members are located in regional and rural areas, often outside of major shopping centres.

We pride ourselves on being a “warm hug” and a sounding board for owners who need someone on their side. In many cases, we have completely turned businesses around, providing owners with a clear and profitable future. However, we are also honest with our members; if we believe a current path is unsustainable, we will advise you on the necessary changes to ensure your success.

If you are unhappy with the current direction of your newsagency, it may be time to make a significant change. Let newsXpress be your starting point for a more successful and enjoyable retail journey.

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newsXpress is a marketing group that supports small local independent retailers to thrive. Find out more at help@newsxpress.com.au.

Finding distinct ways to drive new customer traffic is a constant goal for independent retailers, like Aussie newsagents. At newsXpress, one of our most successful initiatives over the past six years has been our exclusive relationship with major mints, providing members with a unique edge in the gift and collectables market.

A Direct Pipeline to High-Demand Collectables

newsXpress holds a preferred supplier relationship with the Royal Australian Mint. This contract ensures that all our members have direct access to new coin releases as they are launched. Furthermore, we collaborate on exclusive products specifically created for the newsXpress network.

Our reach extends beyond Australian borders to include:

• The Perth Mint: Access to a wide array of precious metal coins.
• The New Zealand Mint (Agoro): Bringing international collectables to local counters.

These programs are designed to serve the needs of the mints as they reach regional and rural Australia, while simultaneously helping our members build more vibrant businesses.

Proven Success and Foot Traffic

The impact of these programs on store traffic is significant. On release days, it is common to see lines of customers at the front of newsXpress stores, eager to secure the latest items. These shoppers often include coin collectors and pop-culture enthusiasts who may not typically frequent a traditional newsagency.

Recent highlights of our coin programs include:

• The Australian Women’s Weekly Birthday Cake Book Program: A highly successful release from last year.
• Exclusive Releases: We have developed four coins exclusive to newsXpress to date, every one of which has completely sold out.
• Diverse Price Points: Our range caters to all budgets, from $17.50 coin-in-card products to premium $25,000 coin sets.
• Beyond the Sale: Building a Thriving Business

The benefit of the coin program extends beyond the initial transaction. These collectors are “efficient” customers who often purchase other items while in-store, increasing the overall basket value. With current gold and silver prices remaining strong, the appeal of these products continues to grow.

As a marketing group, we provide the process and the support to make these releases run smoothly. We are not a franchise with restrictive rules, but we do offer proven systems that help our members attract a diverse demographic and run a more successful retail operation.

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newsXpress is a marketing group that supports small local independent retailers to thrive. Find out more at help@newsxpress.com.au.

Many independent retailers look for ways to strengthen their business without losing the freedom that makes local ownership special. While some consider franchise models to gain access to better resources, the structure often comes with rigid rules and mandatory branding. This is where newsXpress offers a different path for Australian newsagents and independent retailers.

Support Without the Franchise Constraints

NewsXpress is a marketing group, not a franchise. This distinction is vital for owners who value their independence. Members are not forced to follow a strict blueprint or even change their business name. Instead, the focus is on presenting opportunities and providing the tools necessary to run a more enjoyable and successful business.

The relationship is built on choice. Whether it is access to specific supplier deals or unique products that cannot be found elsewhere, members decide what works best for their local demographic. The group acts as a partner, offering advice and support while leaving the final decisions to the person on the ground.

Tangible Benefits for Members

One of the most practical advantages is the access to approximately 140 preferred suppliers. Managing dozens of individual accounts can be a significant administrative burden for a small business. NewsXpress simplifies this through a central billing program. This system makes it easier to source products from suppliers who might otherwise be hesitant to open individual accounts with smaller retailers.

The group also provides significant marketing support, particularly during major retail seasons such as Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, Valentine’s Day, and Christmas. Through the Seasonal Edge program, participating members receive:

• A prize pack for customers valued between $350 and $500.
• Professional in-store posters and marketing collateral.
• Promotion and support to drive foot traffic into the store.

All of these resources are provided at no additional cost to the members, helping them compete with larger national chains during these critical trading periods.

Personalised Business Strategy

Every retail environment is different. A newsagency in regional New South Wales faces different challenges than one located in downtown Hobart. NewsXpress recognises this by providing one-on-one service based on data and evidence. By looking at the specific resources and experiences of a member, the group provides tailored opportunities rather than a one-size-fits-all solution.

This approach extends beyond traditional newsagencies. Any local independent retailer looking to grow, particularly those interested in diversifying into giftware or homewares, can benefit from the collective buying power and direct importing programs managed by newsXpress.

The goal is to help you run a more valuable business. It begins with a conversation to see if our resources align with your goals. If we are a good fit, we work together to help your business thrive.

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newsXpress is a marketing group that supports small local independent retailers to thrive. Find out more at help@newsxpress.com.au.

Bringing a sense of community to online shopping

The Snowy Mountains region is known for its rugged beauty and unique local culture. This spirit of independence and quality is the foundation of the Snowy Marketplace, an online store for newsXpress Cooma, situated, of course, in beautiful Cooma, New South Wales. It serves as a digital hub for regional producers and creators. By gathering these diverse offerings in one place, the platform provides a convenient way to support local businesses.

The Snowy Marketplace offers a diverse range of products designed to engage the mind and celebrate local surroundings. This online destination brings together quality items that cater to a variety of interests. From the immersive world of literature to the focused challenge of a jigsaw puzzle, the collection is built on a foundation of quality and craftsmanship.

Literature remains a cornerstone of the shop. The fiction section is carefully selected to offer readers a broad range of storytelling styles. Whether you enjoy contemporary novels or classic narratives, there is a focus on titles that resonate with a wide audience. Providing access to physical books is a commitment to the tradition of slow, intentional reading. These books offer an escape from the digital world and a way to explore new perspectives from the comfort of home.

For those who enjoy a tactile and cognitive challenge, the range of Ravensburger puzzles is a significant highlight. This brand is globally recognised for its high standards and precision-cut pieces. Puzzling has become a popular way for families and individuals to unwind. It encourages patience and problem-solving in a social or solitary setting. The variety of themes ensures that there is a puzzle suitable for every skill level, from beginners to seasoned enthusiasts.

The marketplace also features a dedicated collection focused on Australian animals. This range celebrates the unique wildlife that defines the nation’s natural heritage. These products are often a favourite for families looking to educate children about native species. They also serve as meaningful gifts for overseas friends or as a way to bring a touch of the bush into the home. These items are chosen for their durability and their accurate representation of Australia’s iconic fauna.

Quality is a consistent theme across all categories. Every item in the store is selected with the customer’s long-term enjoyment in mind. This avoids the fleeting nature of mass-produced goods. Instead, the focus is on items that can be shared, reused, or kept as a lasting part of a collection. This approach reflects a preference for thoughtful consumption and meaningful play.

The online platform is designed to make browsing these different categories a seamless experience. It allows customers to explore regional and international brands in one reliable place. By offering a mix of educational toys, classic puzzles, and engaging fiction, the shop supports a lifestyle of learning and relaxation.

The Snowy Marketplace is a professional and reliable source for quality gifts and personal treats. It highlights a dedication to products that bring joy and foster a sense of curiosity. Whether you are looking to start a new book, finish a complex puzzle, or celebrate local wildlife, the collection provides a refined and accessible selection.