Menzies Distribution Ltd. (Menzies) and The Federation of Independent Retailers (The Fed) are pleased to announce that Menzies Distribution’s retail consultancy, FORE, will work with The Fed’s category management solution, NewsPro, to further develop the newstrade category in NewsPro’s 1800 stores throughout the UK and Ireland.
Through the partnership, Menzies Superleague stores will be included with NewsPro, expanding the already-existing, successful solution and creating one large independent retailer buying group – the largest of its type across the UK and Ireland, which will encompass over 3,000 members. As a result, group members will have access to numerous benefits, including; enhanced promotional offers for readers, offers to drive footfall to stores and preferential terms on adjacent category offers.
The collaboration with NewsPro will see FORE source promotional activity and provide operational and tactical sales support to stores, ensuring that newspapers and magazines maintain prominent retail space in a competitive landscape. The move supports the retail channel for publishers and further cements both The Fed’s and Menzies’ commitment to independent retailers and the news category.
Muntazir Dipoti, The Federation’s National President, commented, “Through this partnership, we are able to simplify the process for independent retailers and provide publishers with access to the largest independent retailer buying group operating across the UK and Ireland, further building a platform of great services and incremental sales for all.”
Grant Jordan, Managing Director, Newstrade at Menzies Distribution said, “Magazine and newspaper sales are incredibly valuable to independent retailers and the correct range and promotions are so important in attracting customers into stores and optimising sales potential. Printed media remains a vital part of our communities, providing information and entertainment for so many consumers and we are proud to be supporting through the services that FORE will be providing.”
