One Stop has exited the home news delivery (HND) market, with the sale of all rounds operated from its centrally owned stores to rivals NewsTeam Group.

RN understands that One Stop will be handing over approximately 2,500 HND customers, operating from around 50 of One Stop’s 700 centrally owned stores. Sources claimed One Stop’s customer numbers fell significantly during the pandemic, when some rounds were allegedly suspended temporarily in order to protect delivery staff.

RN understands One Stop delivery staff were informed of the decision on Monday 13 March. NewsTeam Group will takeover deliveries currently served by the One Stop stores on 2 April. There will be no changes to the availability of newspapers and magazines in stores, or to HND rounds operated by One Stop franchise stores.

A One Stop spokesperson said: “We have agreed to sell our home news delivery business to NewsTeam. Our priority now is to support our colleagues who are impacted by this decision, as well as working closely with NewsTeam to ensure a smooth transition for our customers.”

NewsTeam Group commercial director Paul Goddard said: “We are pleased to purchase these HND accounts from One Stop. We are working closely with One Stop to ensure a seamless transition of the customers to NewsTeam whilst giving them the time and space to support their colleagues who are affected by this agreement.”

The convenience brand’s decision to exit newspaper deliveries comes as it focuses on expanding its grocery delivery services in partnership with Just Eat, Uber Eats and Deliveroo.

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