Distribution firms under fire over newspaper charges

REPRESENTATIVES for shopkeepers have accused Newspread and Eason of behaving like “corporate thugs” over new charges and conditions imposed on newsagents and retailers selling their products.

The Retail, Grocery, Dairy and Allied Trade Association (RGDATA) is unhappy the shops it represents have been told they will have to put boxes in front of their premises into which Newspread and Eason staff can collect and drop off magazines and newspapers during anti-social hours.

It is also unhappy the distribution companies continue to send out promotional boxes of products to shops that they have not ordered and still expect them to be paid for if not returned.