Boxed card sales are stronger than ever based on data I have seen from at least six newsagencies. By going out early, some as early as four weeks ago, they have been able to grab excellent card sales. We did this at our Forest Hill store and the result has been excellent.
The key appears to display the cards as if they are a promotional line – i.e. on tables and not in the more attractive card company stands.
Done right, (which means having a great range) newsagents can own boxed card sales in their area. This is our third year of strong commitment to boxed cards in our Forest Hill store and current data guides an expectation sales being up 25% on last year. What makes this year better is that we are not running an outpost away from the store. Instead, we have negotiated a small extension to our lease line, thus avoiding staffing and other costs associated with an outpost.