I got to visit several newsagencies in Darwin yesterday. Each had evidence of pursuing new opportunities. Each was keen to talk about ideas they have for their business. It was motivating to see their excitement, especially in gifts and in managing magazines. Magazines present a special problem here because of the distance. Besides the difficulty in getting replacement stock, they only get two magazine deliveries a week, meaning busir mornings on the days of deliveries and greater competition for retail space.
While I have been to darwin plenty of times, the trip and visits to other cities over the last few weeks are a reminder of the importance to make an effort to understand the differences in newsagencies around Australia. While we say we’re one channel, we are very different businesses because of local situations – and because we’re each our own boss.
The photo shows Nightcliff Newsagency. This and other newsagencies could easily locate to Melbourne, Sydney or Brisbane. Indeed, the retailers I met with here could give many in the more populous states a run for their money.