Mag Nation Is Using Its NZ Born Imagination

MEDIA RELEASE - 23 SEPTEMBER 2007

Mag Nation Is Using Its New Zealand Born Imagination

A Unique Approach Makes International Waves

A "Made in New Zealand" world first, retail concept is making waves on an international scale. Mag Nation, the first international magazine specialty chain, started in New Zealand in February 2006, and has just picked up a coveted award in Melbourne. With three stores in Auckland, a second store about to open in Melbourne, and other major cities in New Zealand and Australia now being targeted, this Auckland concept is creating significant buzz both in New Zealand and abroad.

At a gala event in Melbourne, the New Zealand business was named the Australian Retailers Association and City of Melbourne's most innovative retailer for 2007. Based on its quirky and risky approach to magazine retailing where over 4,000 titles are stocked in an environment where "Everything at Mag Nation can be touched, felt and browsedŠ except for the staff", the Auckland run business showcases Kiwi innovation and entrepreneurialism.

Mag Nation is forcing the market to rethink old-fashioned approaches to what has, until now, been a traditional industry. Mention the word "magazines" and most people think about weekly glossies that gossip about the rich and famous or expose the love child of some local sports star. Perhaps a car magazine or bikini clad babes masquerading as a path to quasi-intellectual salvation comes to mind. There are even some who will take the highbrow approach and think of political discourse, financial sound bites or an ode to international knitting. But how many people think of magazines as an art form?

Chief Magazineologist (yes that's right) for Mag Nation, Sahil Merchant comments, "There is something about magazines that makes them worthwhile and approachable for all. Most of the niche publishers that we deal with don't make all that much money. They do it because they love it. We are honoured to stock all these wonderful titles and as a result we pour our passion into selling them."

Passion is something that is abundant in Mag Nation and the team's great Kiwi can do attitude helps sell niche titles catering to any interest including titles such as T-World: The Journal of T-Shirt Culture, Sneaker Freaker, and Dumbo Feather Pass it On (an inspirational publication with a cult following from a Sydney based Auckland girl) as well as more widely distributed titles.

Their passion is so encompassing they have also recently launched their own magazine as a platform for the diverse and unique range of design publications available in store. With plans to expand here in New Zealand and throughout Australia, this is a retail concept that has made front-page news in other parts of the world. Contrary to the doom and gloom forecasts from some experts, Mag Nation is proof that print is alive and well!

Mag Nation Stores: 100 Queen Street, Auckland Sylvia Park, Auckland Westfield St Lukes, Auckland 88 Elizabeth Street, Melbourne Chadston Shopping Centre, Melbourne (opening Oct 07)

www.magnation.com

ENDS

© Scoop Media