We had a good October at Forest Hill. Overall, sales were up 6% on last year. This is despite magazines and lotteries recording a dip. Greeting cards delivered excellent growth.
What is most interesting is the continued shift away from what have been traditional lines for our newsagency. Gifts, books, calendars, art supplies and ink all delivered excellent growth. While calendars are a traditional line, we are taking a completely different approach to the past.
I mention these results as a balance for the doom and gloom being reported at present. There are excellent growth opportunities available. It is essential we energetically pursue change in our newsagencies. I am not the only newsagent playing with new product categories. Yes, some fail. More, however, succeed – as our October results are showing. The key is the pursuit of change – it’s better to chase it than have it surprise you form behind.
I expect that lotteries and magazines will bounce back. They are more affected by short term and other factors. Our year to date numbers are good.