About newsXpress

    Who We Are

    newsXpress was founded in 2001 by 3 newsagents in Queensland looking for a name under which to trade in their shopping centres.

    Today, the business is owned by Mark Fletcher, who is also CEO. Mark founded newsagency software company Tower Systems and has a long history in local small business retail.

    Our Network

    • Founded: 2001
    • Members: Around 200 — number changes as you would expect
    • Store types: Newsagencies, lotto outlets, post offices, card and gift shops, garden centres and more
    • Head office: 3A Lynch Street, Hawthorn VIC 3122

    Our History in Retail Innovation

    • 2001–2005: Early days building the network primarily in Queensland
    • 2005–2010: Evolving nationally with a range of services
    • 2010–2020: Rapidly expanding membership base and supplier mix and broader use of technology in support of retailers
    • 2020–2025: Support through Covid, pivot to more digital support, growth in preferred supplier mix
    • 2026: Pivot away from the newsagency channel, helping newsXpress members decouple from the newsagency channel, which is dying

    newsXpress was an early adopter of online tech to offer members access to websites for easy online sales. As more members opened their own websites, the company retreated from group run websites and, instead, supported members going direct with their own websites under their own identity.

    Today — Consumer Destinations We Operate

    newsXpress continues to operate several consumer-facing websites:

    What We Do for Members

    We help retailers thrive. While that can sound like marketing spin, it is our North Star. For some members this means providing cashflow advice, for others it is access to new suppliers, for others it is HR advice and for others it is a well structured and supplier-loved central billing program.

    Annual National Conference

    Each year newsXpress brings its member network together for the Annual National Conference. In 2026, the conference was in Perth, Western Australia.

    Our Approach to Retail

    Relevance. This matters more than any shingle or supplier expectation. Local retail needs to be locally relevant.

    The Categories We Champion

    newsXpress member stores stock a wide range of categories including:

    • Greeting cards and gift wrap
    • Gifts and homewares
    • Stationery and office supplies
    • Magazines and newspapers
    • Lottery and gaming
    • Collectables — coins, trading cards, plush, pop culture
    • Garden and lifestyle
    • Post office services

    Key Milestones

    The AI Embrace. In 2026, newsXpress is an AI-first marketing group, leveraging AI for our members and helping them leverage it in their businesses.

    Our Team

    Our head office team is small:

    • Managing Director: Mark Fletcher — has owned newsagencies since February 1996
    • Retail and Online Strategy and Management: Anthony Suta — 18 years retail experience in physical and online retail
    • Supplier Manager and Retail Mentor: Jennifer Searle — 30+ years retail experience including running her own shops
    • Data Analyst and Retail Mentor: Michael Elvey — 28 years tech, data analysis and retail shop floor experience
    • Marketing and Comms Strategy: Laura Sharp — retail experience and tertiary training that helps her help newsXpress retailers shine
    • Corporate Store Manager and Retail Mentor: Chris Farrell — 15 years retail experience in local indie and national corporate retail

    Contact