We are carefully watching the publisher calendars this year – while we have canceled most, some sneak through like this one. Our concerns are margin and shelf life. The calendars we have ordered directly generate more than twice the margin so, naturally, we prefer them to these units. Also, the titles we have ordered are integrated – we ordered each for a reason – whereas titles like this not ordered by us has to be placed somewhere. Finding a relevant location for one off product is challenging.
We can see from sales already that taking control of the category will be financially rewarding for the business.
mark,
I ventured into newsagency busines in sydney only this year so this is the first time I have encountered the calendar situation (we are swamped by calendars from the three magazine distributors now). I am intersted to know which external calendar publisher you are carrying directly? my email is ntnewsagency@optusnet.com.au. thanks