Non-traditional items performing best.

 

Sales of stationery items in newsagencies in the first half of 2023 were up by six per cent over the previous corresponding period, according to latest industry figures.

 

The Newsagency Sales Benchmark study, carried out by newsagency owner and industry commentator Mark Fletcher, revealed that the “best growth” in newsagency sales was in non-retail newsagency traditional categories, such as collectibles, higher-end gifts, homewares and self-care.

 

“Old-school retail newsagencies focussed primarily on lottery products, newspapers, magazines and convenience lines made up most of the less successful pool,” Fletcher said.

 

The latest study found some interesting data within departments, particularly between stationery and magazines:

 

In magazines, special interest titles are the winners, often delivering double-digit growth.

 

In stationery, the everyday sector is patchy but special interest and fringe stationery products are doing very well. Journals are having a strong moment, with excellent growth recorded.

 

Fletcher said that while the average increase for stationery was six per cent, some newsagencies reported sales increases of up to 27 per cent.

 

One hundred and seven newsagencies in metro and rural areas provided data for the survey.

 

For more on this story go to  https://www.newsagencyblog.com.au/category/newsagency-benchmark/