Having an attractive display is really important for magazines as customers like to browse the category, and may be looking for something new. Magazines can be both a regular and an impulse purchase so make sure your display is always at it’s best – ensure the title of each magazine is visible, use a planogram to ensure titles of similar categories are displayed together. Make sure children’s magazines are within eye-line. Newspapers also need a strong display solution as often it’s the front page that catches someone’s eye.

Having a range of titles to suit your customers’ needs is important. Magazines offer a great selection across a wide range of hobbies and interests so see if there are any specific trends for your customers. Are you near a school for example? Do most people near you have gardens? Are you catering to a retired population or those with young families? Keep an eye on new launch activity, and give some new titles a go – or if you’ve had success with a certain category, such as puzzles – see what else is available in that segment?

Availability is key to maximising your sales potential – if you’ve recently sold a copy of Vogue magazine for example, why not order another copy to replace it to see if you can sell another one? Why not encourage your customers to place regular orders or shop saves with you? Sales trends vary from issue to issue, and publishers plan their print runs 5-6 weeks out for some titles so only you know how sales are going in your store on any given day of the week. Use tools such as SNApp to make alternations to your supply and lock in orders for a number of consecutive issues.

Accurate returns management is key for maintaining profitability of the category in your store. Make sure that all titles on your re-call note are sent back as soon as they are due off-sale. Make sure weekend newspapers are also sent back in a timely manner – and it’s important that any bundle or tote box that you send back can be clearly identified by the depot. Keep a note of the tote boxes you’ve sent back in-case of any credit queries.

HND is a great way to earn some extra money from loyal customers, and provide an additional service to your community. We recommend you have an efficient system for keeping track of customer orders, and have a process for collecting vouchers. Many HND businesses now offer a wider range of delivered items, whether adding in magazines or milk and bread deliveries – another way of boosting incremental sales for your business and demonstrating the value your store brings to local people.