VANA MEMBER PROFILE- Lakes Entrance Newspower
Lakes Entrance Newspower
297 Esplanade Lakes Entrance Vic, 3909
Store Owner: Jodie Naylor & Kelly Douglass
Years as a newsagent: 5 years
Products Sold: Tattslotto, newspapers, magazines, Henderson Greetings, giftware, toys, ink, stationery, souvenirs, diffusers, Nstock, Blueshyft, Ladbrokes etc.
Jodie Naylor & Kelly Douglass bought the business together 5 years ago and since then their husbands have left their jobs and worked alongside them. In that time they have totally transformed the store, cutting back their range of magazines and products that weren’t working for them and they have opened up on giftware. The new lines that have had significant growth are women’s handbags, scarves, gifts, kids toys, jigsaw puzzles, board games and baby gifts.
Being in a small coastal town, as well as the only newsagency, Lakes Entrance Newspower deliveres papers and magazines to over 450 homes, businesses, schools and nursing homes daily. Jodie & Kelly have also realised the importance of buying and supporting locally and Australian made products. They have recently changed card companies and been excited to introduce Henderson Greetings Australian made cards to the town. They also provide sponsorships to local sporting clubs and donate products to local charity events.
During COVID-19 lockdown, both Tatts and Ladbrokes sales have increased significantly. They had their first Division 1 winner in Saturday Lotto on the 1st August.
Working in a COVIDSafe way, while ensuing staff and customers were adhering to the requirements, has been a challenge, but they are lucky to have awesome staff who have taken it all in their stride.
Being able to look out their front door to the lake and watch pods of dolphins swim by, makes turning up to work at 6am every morning worth it.
