Newspapers remain one of the important footfall drivers in c-stores, and winning this category for a second time, Omar Nasir’s Spar in Leven Street, Motherwell, has shown that time and effort leads to continuous improvement, and the chance to see one of the biggest music acts in the world.
The news and magazines category is one that is constantly changing and retailers may be forgiven for underestimating just how valuable newspapers are to a store. As this year’s Newstrade Retailer of the Year has proven, no retailer should be giving up on print just yet.
Omar Nasir is one of the most enthusiastic retailers in the business, and this can be seen in his dedication to his store’s newstrade offering. With newstrade customers visiting the store four or five times a week, Omar knows it is worth focusing on keeping hold of those customers. It is a tricky category to manage with the transfer of newspapers and magazines online. However, it can be done well if retailers give shoppers new reasons to come to their stores by looking at new ways of increasing sales, such as home delivery services.
As well as growing its already large home news delivery network, Omar’s store has invested heavily in store over the last 12 months in an attempt to revitalise the news category. A new magazine rack has been added that makes the range look more appealing, while an updated news rack sits beside it, by the front door, meaning that customers don’t need to work hard to find a newspaper when entering the store. The signage is neat and tidy and the fixtures themselves are clearly checked regularly.
Omar’s prize was a VIP night at the SSE Hydro last month to see global rap superstar 50 Cent. Omar was treated to News UK’s private box and he said it was an unforgettable evening. “It was a fantastic night,”he says. “It’s great when all your hard work pays off and you get to unwind in style!”
