Click & Collect - A modern take on the classic newsagent experience
Picture this: you’re a young lad accompanying your dad on a trip to the local newsagents. He’s there to pick up his paper and a pack of cigarettes, while you’re only interested in the mix-up. You walk in, the smell of print hits you like a wave, and you’re greeted by the same man who’s worked there every Sunday for as long as you can remember.
As always, he chats to your dad about the front-page news, the weather, and how work’s going, while you keep your eyes fixed on the prize: a slightly torn paper bag filled with sugary delights and pure excitement.
For many millennials like our distribution manager Chris, this was the Saturday or Sunday morning ritual. It wasn’t just about the paper or the sweets it was the routine, the familiar faces, and the community feel that made it special. But times have changed. Newsagents have transformed or, in some cases, disappeared entirely and for many, they now feel like a thing of the past. These days, magazines can be accessed digitally, and news pings to our phones before we’ve even brushed our teeth.
Now don’t get us wrong, we’re all for innovation and embracing the digital age. At Unique Magazines, we’re proud to keep pace with modern times. But that traditional newsagent visit still holds a special place in our hearts. While we can’t recreate exactly what it felt like to be a young Chris tagging along with his dad, we’ve created a version of that experience that blends old-school charm with modern convenience and yes-it still includes that beautiful smell of print.
Our journey to make magazines more accessible started with opening our store, which became the heart of what we do. But that was only the beginning. As we looked at our local community and our growing audience of magazine lovers, we realised that accessibility also meant meeting people where they are whether that’s browsing in-store, shopping online, or a bit of both.
Magazines are an experience. They’re tactile, visual, and deeply personal. In our Mag Room, you’ll find people discovering titles they never knew existed, reconnecting with old favourites, or just taking time to flick through something new. It’s a space that encourages curiosity and creativity. But what if you already know exactly what you want-and you want it fast?
That’s where our Click and Collect service comes in. Designed with busy lives in mind, it’s a streamlined way for print enthusiasts to secure their favourite titles without the wait or the postage costs. It’s especially ideal for our local customers who want convenience without compromise.
With Click and Collect, your magazine is ready and waiting-no hunting required. Whether it’s a last-minute gift, a niche title you can’t find anywhere else, or just your usual weekend read, the service delivers that instant gratification we’ve all come to love. It’s a modern version of that comforting moment when the man behind the counter at your local newsagent recognises your face and already knows exactly what you’re there for.
But more than just a convenient option, Click and Collect is another way we’re championing the joy of print. It’s about keeping that traditional newsagent feeling alive-one where you can walk in, see a friendly face, and walk out with something you genuinely look forward to reading.
No fuss, just great service.
Click and Collect is a perfect example of how we’re blending nostalgia with modernity-right here in the North East. It’s magazine shopping, made personal, made easy, and made for today.