A new exclusive partnership between News UK and the NFRN offering a free freestanding newspaper display unit and exterior shop signage has been tipped to help retailers generate an extra £5,000 in sales per year.

Currently available on a first-come, first-served basis, the units are 90cm high, 42.5cm deep and are available in durable clear or black plastic.

Members will be able to display copies of The Sun and The Times at the front of their stores to take advantage of newspaper impulse purchases, driven by the draw of front pages.

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Unit headers will also enable retailers to print out details of in-store promotions to be placed in the unit.

NFRN national president Stuart Reddish told Better Retailing the investment should encourage retailers to remain confident about the profitability of the newstrade.

“Retailers need to keep news at the forefront of their stores because it still attracts high impulse sales, particularly if the front cover is topical. It drives interest if the headlines are attention-grabbing,” he said.

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“The space is being used seven days a week and helps increase basket spend. The thing to remember is these are powerful brands that give consumers comfort. Seeing them gives them instant reassurance.”

In addition, new exterior signs are designed to be installed at the front of stores to make it clear the site sells newspapers.

There are two types of sign available – a flat, double-sided The Sun sign (known as a blade) that is not illuminated, plus illuminated signs for The Sun and The Times.

They need to be connected to power supplies and will illuminate stores at night.

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News UK retail director Neil Spencer said: “A range of these units have been placed with a number of members in Scotland and they have seen strong sales increases.

“Alongside newspapers, these units also provide the opportunity for you to showcase new products in store near your checkouts – again to take advantage of impulse purchases or, alternatively, you could create a seasonal display.”

To enquire about either of the products, retailers can either contact NFRN Connect directly, or email growsales@news.co.uk with their details, including store name, address and box number.

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