Newsstands are quite popular in countries like the United States, the United Kingdom, and many other parts of the world. They not only sell newspapers and magazines but also other items like cigarettes, snacks, and lottery tickets. With social distancing becoming a norm, the number of people visiting these newsstands has significantly decreased, hitting the revenue of the owners.
The business of newsstands heavily relies on foot traffic. With people choosing to stay home, the number of visitors has decreased drastically. The closure of workplaces and educational institutions has further compounded the problem, with these places being the primary sources of revenue for many newsstands. Moreover, people who do venture out have adopted online alternatives, which have caused a decrease in the demand for newspapers and magazines.
The decrease in sales has led to a dire situation for the owners. With daily expenses and rent to pay, it has become a challenge for many to stay afloat. The owners of newsstands have urged the government to provide financial assistance to help them survive the crisis. Some governments have been responsive to their plea and have provided monetary aid, but it may not be sufficient to cover all expenses.
Additionally, the owners have adopted various measures to stay afloat. Some have started selling other essential items like masks and sanitizers, while others have begun offering home deliveries to attract customers. Many have also incorporated online platforms to reach out to people.
One such model is adopted by the City Newsstand group. Their online platform, MySubs, offers a subscription service to their customers, delivering newspapers and magazines to their doorsteps daily. This service has been quite popular among the people during the pandemic, and the group has successfully attracted a considerable number of subscribers.
Another popular newsstand, Hudson News, has transformed their business operation in response to the pandemic. They have incorporated self-serve kiosks and contactless payments, thereby ensuring safety for both customers and staff. These measures have been quite popular and have helped the newsstand to attract regular customers.
In conclusion, the coronavirus pandemic has undoubtedly impacted the newsstand industry adversely. The decrease in sales has led to a financial crisis, forcing many owners to adopt innovative methods to stay afloat. While some have been successful in incorporating new models, many others are struggling to survive. The government must provide adequate assistance to help them sail through the crisis until things return to normal. However, the industry must also look at new ways of doing business to adapt to the changing world and ensure long-term sustainability.