Who said Print is Dying? Clearly Not in these Magazine Stores

When in London, I cannot help but go on the hunt to find a local newsagent to have a browse at all the cool magazines on display, like Dazed, i-D and Tank magazines, the ones you would definitely never see in my local town newsagents! It is so easy to spend time looking at all the various magazines on display, the exciting covers, featuring trendy cover stars. Personally, I find that I’m more enticed to purchase a magazine if there is a celebrity or influencer, who I recognise and who is taking part in a unique photoshoot. It allows you to see them in a different light, in a way that is experimental, almost as though they are playing a different character to be part of the magazines aesthetic and fit into the personal story each magazine publication tells. As an example, internet star Emma Chamberlain recently appeared in the Rolling Stone magazine. She completely engrossed herself into the punk, rock and roll vibe with the dark hair, and chunky, gold platform boots.

But now to tell you where to get your hands on these magazines if you live in London or visit. Beginning with my favourite newsagents of all, ‘Patkins News’, a ‘hidden gem’ I call it, even though it probably is a very well-used newsagents and in the centre of one of the busiest streets off of Tottenham Court Road; Charlotte Street. This shop is a well-priced, well-rounded place to purchase your magazines, and has a decent range, from The National Geographic, Elle, Vanity Fair, Tank, Hello! (Including other reality/human-interest publications), Dazed, The Face, and some cooking magazines too; I would say there is a reasonable range on display, so a great place to start browsing!

28 Rathbone Pl, London, W1T 1JF

Just round the corner from the previous gem, is the renowned ‘Charlotte Street News’, which is a shop dedicated to selling magazines only. However, unlike Patkins, this is on the pricier side, as it sells an exclusive range, like ‘Highsnobiety’ which I see sold less around other stores. I do recommend Charlotte Street News as it is central, and easy to get to if you are already visiting Patkins…

66 Charlotte St, London, W1T 4QE

MagCulture! One that I feel every magazine enthusiast is aware of! However, saying that, I have not actually had the chance to visit this one myself as it is slightly out of the way for me. I have only heard positive impressions about MagCulture and know a handful of friends who visit to get their magazine fix. They not only sell a huge assortment of magazines, but frequently hold events that inspire and educate about all the elements within a magazine, writing, design, editing, art direction, typography, and production. This is on my list to visit and maybe even to attend one of the events myself!

270 St John St, London, EC1V 4PE

Another slightly more central one to visit, is Magma, just off the Seven Dials in Covent Garden, and hard to miss from its bright red painted windows and doors. In this magazine haven, their whole bottom floor, is full of magazines, with a diverse selection of popular publications. I managed to visit this store when London was slightly quieter (a rare occurrence), so I had the whole floor to myself to take as much time as I needed to browse the range.

29 Short’s Gardens, London, WC2H 9AP

And finally, Rare Mags! I have included this one as you can order various magazines straight to your door regardless to where you live. They even ship internationally! In the past, when I have ordered from magazine publications directly, I have found the shipping time takes an incredibly long time, so knowing that Rare Mags may supply your favourites and can ship them faster is a great plus! Supporting a local, independent business is another reason to have a browse through their website, or even visit them in store if you live in the Manchester area.

5 Lower Hillgate, Stockport SK1 1JQ

https://raremags.co.uk

I hope this encourages you to add to your magazine collections by visiting your own local newsagents or these stores and see what collectable gems you can find!

Images/Edit/Words By Alice Abel