This article was submitted by Romain Fleury, Directeur Général, Presse Commerce:
Munro’s bookstore, a long-time chain member of Presse Commerce, has been ranked third best bookstore store in the world by National Geographic’s book “Destination of a lifetime”.

Founded in 1963 by Jim and Alice Munro, Munro’s bookstore has been one of the most popular attractions in Victoria, British Colombia. Their great success comes from its staff members and the 30,000 books offered. The neoclassical look of the former bank gives the store a unique look. Visitors come from around the world to take a look of this so-called “magnificent” bookstore.

In 2013, half a century after the foundation, Alice Munro won the Nobel price in literature, which gave the bookstore a world-class popularity. Since then, Jim and Alice Munro have retired and handed over to four staff members.

Mags & Fags in Ottawa is also a destination store that has been granted the ultimate award for a newsstand: Magazines Canada Retailer of the year! Christa and Charlene have decided to change the name to The Gifted Type, many renovations but the same passion for magazines, gift cards, books and newspapers.

Can newsstand be creative?  Atlantic Newsin Halifax is preparing “surprise bag”. The relationship with Michelle Gerard is so close with her customers that they are following her blindly!

In Saskatoon and Winnipeg, no doubt that McNally Robinson is more than a newsstand. Of course they are one of the largest independent bookstores, but also a restaurant, a book club, a venue, a classroom and surely a real exceptional shopping experience!

All across Canada theses little gem stores exist thanks is to their knowledgeable and passionate staff and the great quality of the Canadian publishing community.

The January 2017 issue of Toronto Life is a good example of a cover that knows how to have some fun.  The issue is out just in time for the last minute Christmas Shoppers and Boxing day enthusiasts.  On sale December 19th, 2016.

This time slot has historically be used for the “Where to Get Stuff Cheap” theme.  It’s a topic that typically works well for City Magazines across North America.  If it works, keep doing it!

Christine Dewairy, Art Director, Toronto Life, has this to say:

“Our January cover is about the city’s best shopping secrets—where to find the best sample sales, amazing deals on designer stuff, hidden gems. It’s a light, fun topic, and we wanted to convey that tone in the design. So we put a puppy—a puppy detective—in a luxurious Coach bag, to create a poppy, slick and cheeky image.”
 

MagNet, the USA-based data clearinghouse expert, has just released their 3rd Quarter 2016 newsstand results.

The good news is that Canadian results are better then the USA results.

Third Quarter Results are:

For Canada, draws were cut back by 6%, and sales fell by 13.8%, for the 3rd Quarter in 2016 compared to last year. The sell-thru was 28.8% compared to 31.4% last year.

In the USA, draws were cut back by 9.2%, and sales fell by 13.9%, for the 3rd Quarter in 2016 compared to last year. The sell-thru was 24.7% compared to 26% last year.

When we add up all 3 Quarters the results are:

For Canada, draws have been cut by 10.5%, sales are down 11.6%. Sell-thru is 29.4% compared to 29.8% last year.

For the USA, draws have been cut by 10.3%, sales are down 12.2%.  Sell-thru is 25.3% compared to 25.8% last year.

Higher Cover Prices Mitigate Retail Decline:

Thanks to higher overall cover prices in both Canada and the USA (which is being attributed to SIPS), the total retail dollars are down 6.1% in Canada, and down 6.7% in the USA.

Celebrity Titles Down yet General Interest Titles are Up!

Celebrity titles are down 19% in the 3rd Quarter.

General Interest titles are up 8.2% in the 3rd Quarter