The Association of News Retailing (ANR) has booked a stand at the National Convenience Show with a view to helping retailers "get a grip on a vital category".

The ANR will provide an advisory service to retailers who want to sell newspapers and magazines, and give support to existing newsagents who want to improve their profits. ANR managing director John Lennon said: "Retailers can use the magazine sector to differentiate from the multiples who only sell about 50 leading titles.

"By actively managing your category you can successfully differentiate yourselves."

Meanwhile, at this year's ACS Summit, which takes place alongside the National Convenience Show, research firm HIM will be revealing the future of the convenience store as part of a series of breakout sessions featuring some of the sector's biggest players.

HIM director of sales and marketing Tom Fender said: "The pace of change is growing increasingly rapidly, driven by the economy, technology and consumer need-states. HIM has interviewed consumers, retailers and head office executives to find out what challenges face the sector in the coming years."

For tickets to the show or Summit, go to www.nationalconvenienceshow.co.uk