WH Smith's Stock of Magazines

[Malcolm P Price]

Recently I have been into the three branches of WH Smith local to me and found that the previously large range of magazines on sale has been dramatically cut by something like 90% leaving a few low quality ones. I could not see any car related ones. The shelves seem to have been replaced with extra greetings cards.

The independent newsagents in my area have all but disappeared leaving the small range of magazines available from supermarkets like Tesco as the only alternative.

If the changes at Smiths have happened across the country it must have had a massive effect on the circulation figures for magazine publishers, especially for low volume special interest ones. I have taken out a subscription for a magazine that I buy.

Has the same thing happened in your area?

[evosteve]

I bought the latest Complete Kit Car Magazine there last week.

[dvd8n]

I find that I have to go into a large town to buy a magazine that's anything out of the ordinary now.  I ended up giving up and getting Complete Kit Car by post for the Westie article this month.  It must be pretty much impossible for publishers to pick up occasional or new readers now.

 

D

[Robin Parker (Red Spider) - Yorkshire AO]

I've just been into WH Smiths to get the November issue of Tamiya Model Magazine. Not in. Instead they have the September issue that advertises the October issue that will be available on the 19th of September. 

I'm going back at Christmas to see if I can get it. 

[Kenner]

If easier for you, you view loads of magazines online from Readly. They got 2 month trial on at minute and very large range of magazines you read etc. I know a physical magazine if bit more fun. Also gives chance to view other magazines that wouldn't pay for.  Not sure if any Kit car mags on there though. 

 

gb.readly.com is the website.

[dvd8n]

Went into my local WHSmith in Hamilton yesterday to find out that it is to close in January.

 

The branch in Lanark has already closed.

 

There's now nowhere that I can go to to browse magazines any more other than copies of Bella, Take a Break or Word Search.

 

Specialist magazines are doomed.

[Robin Parker (Red Spider) - Yorkshire AO]

No W.H.Smiths means no more Man Crèche. Where are we to go instead of shopping. 

Luckily, my wife's not a shopper. 

[dvd8n]

1 minute ago, Robin Parker (Red Spider) - Yorkshire AO said:

No W.H.Smiths means no more Man Crèche. Where are we to go instead of shopping. 

Luckily, my wife's not a shopper. 

 

It's not a problem as all the other decent shops are closed too.  It's all Turkish barbers, nail bars and charity shops.  Even the pawn brokers have closed.

[Man On The Clapham Omnibus]

Our local branch of Smith's has the unmistakable air of impending death that pervaded the aisles of Woolworth's in the descent into collapse a decade ago. Still, there will be room for another pizza shop soon... 

[XTR2Turbo]

They seem to be focussing on travel venues such as airports and motorway services 

[dvd8n]

10 hours ago, XTR2Turbo said:

They seem to be focussing on travel venues such as airports and motorway services 

 

I have to say that I never found those locations great for the real special interest magazines - they just don't have the shelf space.

 

Not saying that it doesn't make sense from their perspective, though.

[Onliest Smeg David]

10 hours ago, XTR2Turbo said:

They seem to be focussing on travel venues such as airports and motorway services 

Airport is the only place I buy magazines now...

Car / HiFi usually / Music

 

A long while ago I had up to 6 subscriptions.

[Blatman]

On 01/12/2024 at 22:53, XTR2Turbo said:

They seem to be focussing on travel venues such as airports and motorway services 

I was about to say the same thing. And magazine choices are great at the airports at least, BUT I usually travel from Heathrow/Gatwick/Luton, and when I have no choice, Stansted. It may well be different in the more provincial airports...