I was in a train hobbyist shop a few days ago and found a terrific range of model train magazines. It reminded me of the range I had in my Forest Hill business five or six years ago. The difference in the range in the train shop and the newsagency a few doors away left me wondering if others are noticing this – fewer model train magazines in newsagencies and more in specialist hobby train shops.
I am certainly seeing this in garden centres where there are plenty of garden magazines I am not seeing in newsagencies.
While I am not saying this is a trend, it is something to watch out for.
Specialty publishers naturally want to be closer where those interested in their topics shop.
The other thing Mark is that some of those titles probably aren’t available through the usual magazine distributors too. I’ve been slowly angling my business to cover a wider range of model and gaming products actually at the expense of my general magazine range however source several magazine titles that aren’t available through the usual magazine distribution channels but are through specialist wholesalers (and ones that are available through the usual suppliers but that I get a much better margin on through the specialist wholesaler !) . Part of it is the old addage that if you want something specific you go to a specialist and tbh most newsagents have no idea about many of the subjects their magazines are covering.
Already happening in Bunnings with handyman and BHG.
Also Horse Deals in livestock supply stores, Confetti in Gift shops.
I’m sure there are many others.