NEWSAGENTS are getting a helping hand to improve their magazine sales.

Wholesaler Smiths News and magazine distributors COMAG, Frontline, Market-force and Seymour have come together in a trial project to help independent retailers fight declining sales.

Steven Jones, COMAG retail development manager, said: “We will be focusing on 10 stores in Worcestershire and Herefordshire, giving them additional tools and an enhanced service package.

“This will include new racking, promotional material, gifts to give away with magazines, a category advice and field support.

“The aim of the trial is to support independent news-agents and help them to grow their sales of magazines against the declining market trend.

“Part of the trial will be advertising the retailer and their extensive magazine range to the community. We want to encourage consumers to visit these stores, which can supply any magazine through their local wholesale network.

One of the Worcestershire independent newsagents taking part in the trials is Mutters in St John’s, Worcester.

Manageress Joanne Wilkin-son said: “I think this is a super idea.

“It gives us a chance to sell varieties of magazine that we have never stocked before, such as American issues.

“We are having promotions on a whole range of subjects such as women’s interest magazines, hobbies, sport and health and fitness titles. There are free gifts, too.

“It should be a real help and give sales a boost in these difficult times.”