It feels to me like the folks at The Lottery Corporation are interested in new outlets in the convenience and tobacco retail niches to the detriment of the historically strong focus on newsagency businesses.
Okay, I don’t have evidence to support this. It’s why I say it feels like.
Any move referencing tobacco retail would be odd as it challenges the values of TLC. I mean, seriously, any support of tobacco businesses would be problematic for any partner. I mean, lung cancer …
It’s been on my mind recently because of colleague newsagents who have had to deal with new competitors, tobacco outlets, approved by TLC for a lotteries franchise.
I mention it here to put the topic on the record, to see if anyone comments.
I may be wrong. There may be nothing to see here. But, on the other hand, there may be plenty to see here. It could be a trend.
It wouldn’t surprise me given what we see in some overseas markets.
The Lott open a new outlet in a cignall just 900 metres away from our shop. Sad…
Hi, Mark.
Many newsagents closed down and passed their TLC license to nearby C-store and food stores. For example, in Rozelle, two newsagents closed down 2-3 years ago, nearby IGA express and Foodworks got the LTC license. One of the newsagents worked in IGA express.
5 years ago, our TLC rep suggested that we might sell the TLC license to C-store if we decide to close the newsagency.
Secondly, many Tobacconists took over the newsagent business who retail tobacco products, and claimed with structured market funding supported by BATA, imperial and Philip Morris, both the profit margin and sales volume increase.
Lotteries gave a cigarette outlet 800m from my shop a licence. I opposed it. Failed. I appealed. Failed. Tobacco seems like their thing.
Same as my shop
Hi Keith, same as my shop
I don’t understand why any small business retailer would choose to be in convenience. Too many big business competitors.
I would impulsively agree with you however it depends on where the location and the vacuum available to fill with the current community offer that leads to the Convenience style reconstruction.
All newsagencies have had to adapt and it’s like the “adapt or you will die” as in the dinasoar era. Its what suits some areas doesn’t suit others.
We have experienced incredible results from newsagents tha have joined a wholesale group tha give incredible margins on Drinks and food items.
Which goes to show there is no newsagency set example as such any more.
It is Adapt or Die – Gifts- Social Expression – Baby Wear- Convenience whatever the gap is it needs to be filled.