Darrell Lea Dad’s Bags to be an Australia Post catalogue promotion
Last year when newsagents were encouraged to order Darrell Lea Dad’s Bags for sale in the lead up to Father’s Day this year they were told Australia Post would have the products including in corporate stores. What they were not told is that Australia Post would promote the Dad’s Bags on the front cover of their August catalogue.
I am certain there are newsagents will be shocked to discover the government is competing with them for what is an important retail season.
Why is this government protected post office monopoly selling Darrell Lea confectionery products including the Dad’s Bags? These are post shops. They should be selling stamps and packaging specifically for posting. That’s what they exist for. Darrell Lea products are outside the scope of what is allowed in the Act under which Australia Post operates in my view.
Every Dad’s Bag sold in a government owned post office is one less sale for a nearby small business newsagent. It would also be one more attack on small business by politicians of all sides who prefer to protect Australia Post than deliver on their claimed support for small business and competition.
Shame of Darrell Lea for dealing with the government owned monopoly. Shame on every politician who supports Australia Post competing with newsagents and other retailers through their corporate stores.
I’d like to see Australia Post corporate stores more tightly controlled in what they can sell – no cards, gifts, picnic sets, sewing machines, books, stationery or Darrell Lea
Queensland State Government outsources Learn to Drive book distribution to US giant
In another show of support by a government for Australian businesses, the State Government in Queensland has contracted US giant Staples to distribute the state’s learn to drive log book and keys to driving in Queensland. Queensland newsagents now have to buy from Staples thanks to the state government.
GNS offers a perfect distribution channel for both publications given that newsagents are the go to retailers for these. GNS is Australian owned.
Politicians making these decisions to give US companies ahead of Australian businesses need to be held to account. Even if using an Australian business costs a little more the economic benefit is greater for the country and the state if they appoint an Australian supplier. Sadly they will not realise the damage until its too late.
An increase in bagged comics?
It feels to me like there has been an increase in supply of bagged comics, especially packs at the high end – like this Simpsons pack at a whopping $18.95. The price point is excessive for what shoppers expect to pay in a newsagency and it’s also excessive for this product.
I’d be interested to hear from other newsagents abut whether they feel supply of these types of products has increased for them.