How the Industry Works

The Market

The consumer magazine market consists of 3,500 titles, generating just over £2 billion in retail revenue. In this dynamic market, competition is not only fierce but is increasing.

Trade Structure

The magazine distribution chain in the UK consists of five levels in order of: publisher, distributor, wholesaler, retailer and consumer, with all but the consumer taking a share of the cover price for every copy sold.

COMAG physically moves the magazines to its network of appointed wholesalers around the country, each of which supplies the magazines to retailers within their designated geographical area.

Of the estimated 55,000 retail outlets, some 6,000+ are owned by retail multiple chains, such as supermarkets, with the remainder independently owned. Whilst the chains account for approximately 50% of total copy sales, independent retailers such as your local newsagent continue to account for about a third of all magazine sales.

Guide to the Newstrade

Explaining in detail how the industry works is clearly a long and involved topic. Here at COMAG we realise that for some, understanding how the industry works - and indeed launching a product on to the newsstand - will be a new venture and one where guidance would be appreciated.

With this in mind, we have put together our Guidelines to the Newstrade, which explain the structure of the newstrade and take you through all of the areas you need to consider along the way. To request a free PDF copy of our Guidelines please click here.