A benchmark study of sales data from 97 newsagencies, comparing sales between January and March 2009 with the same period a year earlier, has revealed a 10% fall in magazine sales in newsagencies. The benchmark study has also revealed better than expected sales results for newspapers, growth for greeting cards and reasonable growth for stationery.
The benchmark study uncovered excellent success stories for many newsagents – demonstrating that many in this retail channel are pursuing change and benefiting as a result of this effort. It also highlights that a concerning number of newsagents are yet to embrace the opportunity of change.
I have been pouring over data from participating newsagents for a week. It is a long process because for the different ways newsagents record sales in some departments. I am grateful to the newsagents who trusted me and provided access to confidential business performance data. I am privileged to have this and the insights it is helping me form.
This benchmark study is part of an on-going project which tracks sales in newsagencies and provides the information for newsagents and others to access and consider.
More detailed store by store comparisons are available to participants in the study. I have a presentation I am putting together for some suppliers and others to brief them on the state of the channel.
This benchmark project is another way Tower Systems helps all newsagents.
Good report.
I’d like to see some sort of report that shows the cash drain the distribution method causes us.
Such as yourself being loaded up with Street Rodder, that money could be invested in trying new lines, advertising etc. Bringing more people into your store now – when you need it, not in a month’s time.
Thank you for doing the work on this Mark. I don’t use your software but can compare my business. I have found it very useful. Your comments about stationery and gifts hit home with me. I wish VANA would get you to speak at their meetings on this research.
Simon, I have sent a copy of the report to all associations. I’d be happy to take them deep into the data. Anyone advising or working with newsagents should have access to this as it is the most current sales benchmark data available for the channel.