Fewer and fewer newspapers on newsstands

Kiosks Press distribution is under pressure, including in Switzerland. Valora Wholesale, the division in which the conglomerate's international press distribution operations are located, reported an eight percent drop in sales between January and June compared with the same period last year. The main reason for this: Fewer and fewer people are buying print products at newsstands. In Switzerland, the situation is as follows: Newspaper sales fell by five percent since January 1, 2003 alone, while magazine sales fell by 1.5 percent. "We assume that press sales will continue to decline over the next five years, albeit at a decreasing rate. After that, it should find firm ground," says Valora spokeswoman Stefania Misteli.
In response, Valora Wholesale will continue to cut costs and optimize its processes. A new press control system, a new picking and returns system, additional scanner checkouts and a redelivery service are planned or already in place. And the offer to publishers for promotional activities at the kiosk will remain in place. Misteli: "We have noticed that this tool is being used more and more frequently."
(mk)