As 2026 approaches, your POS software is your most valuable asset. By analysing historical data, you can predict exactly which diary formats will sell, preventing costly stock-outs. Don't guess, use your data. [Learn how to run the Best Sales Report for forecasting here].
Prominently Display Diaries In-Store
Place diaries where people can see them, make sure to add signage and posters noting your stock diaries; don't assume they know—mention them while serving other shoppers. Make sure customers easily spot your diary selection by placing it in a prime spot. Arrange them attractively. I advise pyramid stacking for hardcover diaries on tables to create height, and place 'impulse' items like gel pens in bins directly next to them. I also suggest highlighting your top sellers. People will gravitate to these if you point them out.
Promote Related Products Like Planners
Boost sales beyond standard diaries with these hot categories:
- Travel Planners: Help plan dream trips with journals—pair with your gift lines.
- Health and Fitness Planners: Many people today are using wellness journals
- Work Planners: Attract professionals with workflow tools; display beside nice pens, highlighters, and notepads.
Handling Common Customer Questions
Your team must receive brief training that positions your shop as the "expert" hub.
Equip your team with these answers to close more sales on the floor:
Q: Will my fountain pen bleed through this paper?
A: "That is a common concern with the recent changes to the cheaper paper that the diary companies are using. Make sure you can show these customers diaries that use 100GSM paper, which is thick enough to prevent ghosting, even with wetter inks.
Q: Do you have any vertical layouts for time-blocking?
A: Make sure you have them, and you can show them. Most people use ones with 30-minute increments.
Q: Are Australian public holidays and school terms marked?
A: Many international brands miss our local dates. Make sure you have an Australian-designed calendar that includes state-specific public holidays and 2026 school term dates.
Q: Is A5 or B6 better for carrying in handbags?
A: "A5 is the classic standard if you mostly leave it on your desk. However, for carrying in a handbag, B6 is trending, as its size is compact enough to hold light items but wide enough to write comfortably.
Q: Can I get a layout that has a weekly view on one side and a notes page on the other?
A: These have a 'Weekly Notebook' layout. It is incredibly popular right now because it separates your rigid appointments (on the left) from your flexible to-do lists (on the right).
Q: Why are there so many undated planners this year?
A: We're seeing a massive shift toward 'guilt-free' planning. Undated planners are perfect because if you go on holiday or skip a busy week, you don't waste pages. You can pick it right back up without seeing empty dates staring you in the face.
Get Organised for Success
Organise a winning diary campaign by using POS trends, displaying prominently, talking to customers, and stocking 2026 trends like all-in-one lifestyle planners. This leverages peak sea
Written by:
Bernard Zimmermann is the founding director of POS Solutions, a leading point-of-sale system company with 45 years of industry experience, now retired and seeking new opportunities. He consults with various organisations, from small businesses to large retailers and government institutions. Bernard is passionate about helping companies optimise their operations through innovative POS technology and enabling seamless customer experiences through effective software solutions.
