MagCloud is a new easy way to publish your own magazine. You create the content, upload a PDF and they take care of physical fulfillment including printing using the Indigo technology from HP. This is a similar approach to the self publishing sites which handle books which are printed on demand. All amazing stuff, especially for short run, local and or special interest magazines.
While the MagCloud model talks about distribution through mail, there is no reason this cannot work with a retail pitch. Imagine being the true magazine specialists with local area magazines – exclusively in your newsagency. Another use could be for one-shot titles on issues which are very hot. For example, say your city is hit by the worst weather in 30 years, publish a magazine of photos as a record of the experience.
Another example could be of local sports finals – people love to read about themselves and family members in a professional publication. This service or at least the technology behind it could make producing local magazines easier.