New mag stores

We were impressed by a visit recently to the relatively new Journo store in downtown Toronto operated by HDS (Hachette Distribution Services). It is apparent that the combination of coffee shop and magazine rack is here to stay (a natural fit). It has certainly eclipsed the old "smoke shop" model that prevailed for many years.

Chapters/Indigo, of course, works hand-in-glove with Starbucks. The Journo cafe serves Van Houtte coffee. Some chain magazine stores, like Great Canadian News (HDS), Maison de la Presse (also HDS), Pages in Toronto and Shoppers Drug Marts everywhere apparently don't see themselves as being in the cafe business, but given that there is , seemingly, a coffee shop in every block particularly in Toronto and Vancouver, it may be that serving coffee on the premises is redundant.

Here's a little exercise for you. Post a comment to this item (click on the word "COMMENTS" at the bottom of this item), giving your review or analysis of your favourite magazine store, either where you live/work, or anywhere else in Canada, and make sure you say howcum you think so. We'll be particularly interested in rugged independents who do a great job of selling magazines, whether or not they sell anything else.

If you like, you can also lament magazine stores of the recent past, no longer with us. Lichtman's is still remembered fondly around my house.