Book supplier Hinkler disrespects newsagents in Woolworths Naplan move
Newsagents who took on the Naplan educational book range from book distributor Hinkler have been surprised to see the same range at Woolworths check-outs at a 10% discount.
Had they been told Woolworths would stock the Naplan books, newsagents I have spoken with have told me that they would not have taken on the product. It’s my view that Hinkler has disrespected newsagents by not disclosing the Woolworths move.
As Australia’s supermarket duopoly push more into our space – and they will – suppliers to newsagents who also supply the supermarkets need to be up front with us about their arrangements and plans with supermarkets. To sell to newsagents without disclosure will see their products dumped and, sometimes, alternative products sourced.
Our channel is different to supermarkets. We offer a value-based service whereas the supermarkets usually only compete on price. In pursuing their price strategy they disrespect brands. Suppliers who care about their brands will focus more on newsagents and less on supermarkets.
Yes, we attract different shoppers, but they are not ad different between newsagents and supermarkets as they are, for example, between newsagents and deep discount stores.
What Hinkler has done to newsagents with this Naplan range sucks.
