Newsagent

Newsagent is a small retail shop that primarily sells newspapers and magazines and is commonly found in urban and suburban areas. In British English, the term is standard; elsewhere the same type of shop may be called a newsstand, a convenience store, or a bookshop with a newspaper section. The core offering traditionally includes daily and weekly newspapers, magazines, and other periodicals, together with stationery, greeting cards, confectionery, snacks, and beverages. Many newsagents also sell tobacco products where legal, postcards, and small gifts, and some operate as tobacconists.

In addition to goods, newsagents often provide services such as lottery ticket sales, mobile top-ups, bill payments, parcel collection or delivery, and sometimes postal services. The specific mix depends on national regulations and local demand.

Historically, newsagents served as a key distribution point for printed news, capitalizing on high footfall in neighborhoods. With the rise of digital media and larger supermarket chains, their role has broadened, and many outlets function as general convenience stores, offering a wider range of everyday essentials and services to maintain foot traffic and margin.

The business is typically characterized by small square footage, quick service, and a rotating stock of periodicals subject to industry cycles. In some markets, licensing and age restrictions govern the sale of certain items such as cigarettes and alcohol, affecting operations in newsagents.