Over 8,300 independent newsagents across the UK and Ireland have been given a face lift by News UK ensuring that its best-selling brands, The Sun and The Times, will be seen by 500,000 of its passing customers every day.

This follows the launch last November of Retail+, News UK’s major initiative to improve communications with and maximise sales for over 30,000 independent retailers who sell The Sun, The Times and The Sunday Times.

In February, independent retailers responded en-masse to the opportunity to brighten up their in-store displays and shop fronts, including striking new awnings adorned with the world-famous brands of The Sun or The Times.

It was an ambitious project with the News UK Retail+ team visiting over 15,000 retailers and making over 14,000 phone calls over a five month period.  Over 50% of newsagents contacted took advantage of the offer.

The retailers we have partnered with sell 425,000 copies of The Sun and 68,000 copies of The Times every day - over 20% and 15% of national print sales respectively.

Increasing newspaper sales can make a real difference to the bottom line for many retailers as research shows that 69 per cent of shoppers buy other items in addition to a newspaper and those buyers tend to be more loyal, with 35% of them visiting the same store every day compared to 22% of non-newspaper buyers*.

Mike Darcey, News UK’s CEO, said: “I’m delighted to be making this lasting investment on our high streets. Our world-famous brands adorning these shops will attract trade and contribute towards a sustainable future for both our world-class journalism and the independent retailer."

A Salam, Hamdy’s Newsagent, Stoke Newington, said: “Our sales have increased. Not only on newspapers but on other things as well. People have easy access to products now and the signage, design and layout are good.”

While Neel Patel, Jaysonz News, Camden, London (above with Editor of The Sun David Dinsmore) who signed up for The Sun overhaul said: “The main part of signage is the shop front because it is the first thing you see. It makes the shop look a lot cleaner – more inviting.”

The successful project is more evidence of News UK’s intention to protect and promote its print business for years to come.

Source: *HiM! CTP 2013