News UK has announced some New Year cheer for retailers with the cover price increases on weekday and Saturday editions of the Sun in the UK.
The publisher confirmed that retail terms would be maintained alongside the 5p rise in cover prices.
The announcement follows the rather disappointing news earlier by the publisher that they would be increasing its carriage charge to retailers within the M25 area in 2022.
Commenting, NFRN national president Narinder Randhawa said: “Members who are served by the News UK DTR operation were understandably bitterly disappointed to hear of the increase to their delivery charges in 2022, particularly given the poor levels of service that they were experiencing.
“We are relieved that as it increases the price of the Sun, that News UK recognises the highly challenging trading environment that independent retailers are operating in. Pro rata terms are essential when our overheads continue to rise.”
NFRN head of news Brian Murphy added: “The problem of dual distribution and cost in London still needs to be addressed, particularly at this time of acute driver shortages and late deliveries.”
From January 17, weekday editions of the Sun will cost 70p, with the price of the Saturday edition rising to £1.
The following Monday (January 24) the direct delivery charge rises by 3 per cent, although 50 per cent of the increase is being deferred for six months in what News UK describes as “a gesture of goodwill”.
News UK has effected a similar rise, and pro rata terms, for the paper in June last year.
