Total Saturday newspaper sales rose in October compared to the previous month, with all other days also enjoying improved performance. 

All days reported less than 1% monthly sales decline, while Saturdays managed a 0.2% rise, equivalent to nearly one extra paper sold in every local shop, every Saturday in October. The ABC figures do not include results for The Sun, Times, Telegraph or Guardian. 

The Financial Times had a second consecutive month-on-month Saturday increase, up by 3.7% on September. The i and Daily Mail also reported sales growth. Sundays had stronger-than-average performance at just 0.4% down, with the Mail on Sunday retaining nearly every purchase to keep sales flat month on month. 

Read more: ABC circulation figures: Newspaper sales suffer greater drop in September

Despite seeing the largest sales drop of 0.9%, weekdays also had instances to celebrate, such at the Financial Times selling more copies than the month before. 

October was also HND Month. While many of new subscriptions gained may not begin until this month, when asked about DMG’s ABC figures, senior general account manager Andy Law told RN: “From conversations we have had with retailers, many have picked up incremental HND orders because of the activity.” 

While October’s results will bring relief for most publishers, Reach’s UK-wide brands continued their reputation for above-average declines. The Express was the worst- performing weekday paper, while Daily Star was the worst-performing brand on Saturdays and Sundays. 

October ABC circulation

Read more news and advice about the newspaper and magazines category and click here for the latest ABC circulation figures