Modern retail success depends on more than just intuition. In the current Aussie newsagency environment, the ability to interpret business data is a critical skill that separates thriving shops from those that are struggling.

At newsXpress, we believe that understanding the truth of your situation begins with a deep dive into your own sales figures and performance metrics.

Effective data analysis allows you to identify what we call the low-hanging fruit. These are the immediate opportunities for improvement that might otherwise go unnoticed. For example, by running a dead stock report, you can identify items that have not moved in six months or more. Clearing this inventory through targeted discounting frees up both valuable floor space and cash flow that can be reinvested into higher-margin categories.

newsXpress helps Aussie newsagents thrive.

We assist our members in looking at their businesses from multiple angles. This includes assessing the gross profit percentage contribution of different departments compared to the floor space they occupy. It also involves calculating revenue per rostered hour to ensure your labour costs are sustainable. When you have a clear picture of these metrics, you can make informed choices about where to expand and where to rationalise.

A whole-of-business approach to data also helps in reducing common retail mistakes. Instead of buying inventory based on supplier pressure or habit, you can make decisions supported by evidence. This shift in mindset leads to better stock turn and a higher return on investment. By moving away from a traditional model and using data to guide your path, you can ensure your business remains valuable and relevant in a changing market.

newsXpress is a marketing group serving around 200 Aussie newsagents.

We’re unique, not like any other group.

We’re not a franchise.

What you do in your business is up to you.

Our suggestions, curated for you based on your situation, are offered for you top consider.

There is no pressure.

We love helping local retailers thrive. Most of our members are in region al / rural Australia.

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

A recent ABC Gippsland report on the closure of the Sale Authorised Newsagency highlights a significant disconnect between media narratives and the actual state of our channel. While the report focuses on the “end of an era,” it fails to capture the vitality of the many newsagencies currently experiencing double-digit growth.

The story in Sale is essentially one of retirement. Terry Stewart, after 38 years of dedicated service and 2:30 am starts, has chosen to close his doors. However, the ABC’s editorial framing suggests this is an inevitable symptom of an industry in decline. This type of reporting ignores the success stories of newsagents who have actively transformed their businesses to meet modern consumer needs.

There is a telling detail in the ABC article: Terry noted that his product mix had not changed much over the decades. In the context of a successful, modern newsagency, this is an outlier. For many thriving newsXpress members, approximately 80% of what they sell today is different from what was on their shelves a decade ago.

Success in this industry is no longer found in simply being an “agent” for legacy products like newspapers and magazines. It is found in becoming a retail destination. Stores that are growing are those that have pivoted into high-margin giftware, collectible trading cards, plush toys, and boutique stationery. These businesses are seeing substantial increases in average basket value, often offsetting the decline in traditional categories.

When the national broadcaster chooses to cover a retirement-led closure while ignoring the innovation happening in the rest of the channel, they provide a skewed perspective. They miss the newsagents who are breaking sales records by embracing data-driven stock management and diverse product ranges.

The newsagency channel is not a monolith of decline. It is a tale of two different paths: one of tradition and one of transformation. While we respect the legacy of long-serving newsagents like Terry, it is essential to recognise that the industry’s future is being written by those who view their four walls as a flexible retail space rather than a fixed “news” agency.

We encourage newsagents to look beyond the headlines. The data shows that for those willing to change their product mix and engage with new shopper demographics, the opportunities for growth have never been better.

newsXpress helps newsagents thrive.

newsXpress is different to any other group serving newsagents and here’s how:

1. No lock in contract.

newsXpress members can quit the group at any time. That they don’t speaks to the commercial and emotional value they gain from the group. The biggest barrier to newsXpress welcoming newsagents who want to join the group is the lock-in contract with another group. Our advice is: read the contract carefully before you sign.

2. Free seasonal in-store prizes for you.

The newsXpress Seasonal Edge campaign is free to members. Each season newsXpress provides participating members with a $350.00 value prize to give away to one lucky local customer. This seasonal Edge campaign is a key reason newsXpress members are reporting 10% and more annual card sales growth.

3. Exclusive mint coin programs.

Thanks to the exclusive Royal Australian Mint relationship as well as Perth Mint, NZ Mint and other coin relationships a typical newsXpress member is adding tens of thousands of good margin business without risk. Even better: coin shoppers tend to purchase other items, enhancing their value to the business. Our 2026 and 2027 programs are locked in along with some excellent media coverage.

4. Free national conference.

newsXpress hosts a national conference each year, providing free luxury hotel accommodation, breakfasts, dinner and more. This business building event is loved by members for the business value and wonderful networking.

5. Business transformation help.

newsXpress offers a business transformation service tailored to the needs of each individual member. No matter where your business is on its retail journey, newsXpress retail specialists will work with you, if you want, to help you transform your business toward greater value for you.

6. Exclusive product access.

newsXpress delivers exclusive access to a range of sought after product. This month (September 2025) newsXpress members gained exclusive access to one product range that delivered more than $10,000 in gross profit to each participating shop. That’s a wonderful bankable benefit for newsXpress members.

7. Small group deep dive.

This exclusive initiative groups 8 businesses to work together with mentorship offsite on the future of each participating business. This type of program has helped newsXpress members double business revenue, cut costs and make planning the exit from the business so much easier. It’s easier to sell a profitable business.

8. Cash flow support.

Our central billing program and other supports help members more confidently plan cashflow and bank for a rainy day. Cash is king and we help you respect that.

newsXpress is primarily made up of high street newsagencies in suburban and rural / regional settings. No shop is too small, or too big.

Your second and third stores can join for free.

To demonstrate our transparency and accessibility, reach out to our CEO, Mark Fletcher, on 0418 321 338 or mark@newsxpress.com.au.

It is a scenario that occurs with troubling frequency in the Australian newsagency channel. A retail owner, perhaps only months into a new arrangement with a marketing group, finds that the partnership is not a good fit. They may recall verbal assurances that they could exit the agreement if they were unhappy. However, upon reviewing the signed paperwork, they discover they are locked into a multi-year commitment. When they attempt to negotiate an exit, the friendly tone of the initial sales pitch is often replaced by the threat of legal action.

This situation serves is reminder of the importance of due diligence. For new owners entering the industry, a compelling sales presentation can be persuasive. It is vital to remember that a conversation is not a contract.

The most significant document in any business relationship is the written agreement. Verbal promises or implications carry no legal weight once your signature is on the page. If a representative claims you can leave the group at any time, you must insist they point out the specific clause that permits this. If the clause does not exist in writing, the promise does not exist in reality.

You must understand every term before committing. If an agreement contains jargon or confusing language, seek independent advice. You are responsible for every clause once the document is signed.

A professional salesperson is trained to build rapport and establish a sense of friendship. While a positive relationship is helpful, you are entering a legally binding partnership, not a social arrangement. Scrutinise the commercial offer rather than the personality of the person delivering it. If you feel pressured or uncomfortable during the process, do not sign. At the pre-signature stage, you maintain total control over the future of your business.

Every agreement includes a minimum term. Identify this period and consider it carefully. Committing to a specific strategy for three or five years is a significant decision. If the group’s direction does not yield results for your specific location, you may still be tied to their costs and requirements for the duration of the term. If you cannot confidently commit to that timeframe, the agreement is likely not right for you.

A common pressure point arises when buying an existing business that is already branded under a marketing group. Buyers are sometimes told they must join the group to maintain the branding or avoid de-branding costs. This is often misleading. The responsibility for de-branding should typically rest with the current owner as a condition of the sale. Do not join a group simply to solve a problem that belongs to the seller.

Ultimately, your reputation in the local community is your most valuable asset. In the newsagency channel, brand consistency is often lacking across different locations. Your personal service and business name will define your success far more than a corporate banner. Your signature is your bond; ensure you only give it to a partner that offers a fair and transparent framework.

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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.