Smiths News will be confirming its plans to delay its carriage charge review until 2022 in a SNApp message to customers at lunchtime today and in letters that will appear in tote boxes later this week.
In the communication, the news wholesaler writes: “We will not be making any changes to your delivery service charge, barring any significant developments, until September 2022.
“Our industry, like many others, has had a challenging year. For many of our customers that challenge is not over with temporary Covid19 related closures, reduced footfall and changes in customer behaviour affecting many stores still today. We are hopeful that all our customers will see this as a positive move that provides some support during such a difficult period.
“We look forward to a sales recovery across all our customers but will continue to look for ways, like this, to support you all until that recovery is here.
If you have any questions relating to this matter, please contact Customer Service in the usual way.”
NFRN National President Stuart Reddish has praised Smiths News for delaying the review and will be pressing Menzies Distribution and News UK DTR to follow suit.