In the digital age, traditional newspaper and magazine kiosks in Argentina face significant challenges due to the decline in the sale of printed publications. To adapt and survive, many of these positions chose to diversify your offer, becoming multi-product stores that respond to the contemporary needs of consumers. But that’s not all: they are also entering the gastronomic sector, transforming themselves into specialty coffees and offering a low investment option to take into account.
This measure sought to provide a solution to the crisis in the sector, allowing kiosks to adapt to new market demands and generate additional income. The sale and distribution of newspapers and magazines should remain the core activity, but diversification offers an opportunity to maintain the economic viability of these positions.
From that point on, it is common to see kiosks located on the main avenues of large urban centers that offer a small range of printed publications and, on the other hand, a wide assortment of toys, cell phone accessories and souvenirs for tourists, among other items. .
A notable example of this transformation is Canillita, a specialty cafeteria opened in August 2024 in a former newsstand in front of the Faculty of Medicine of the University of Buenos Aires, in Recoleta. Founded by three young entrepreneurs, Canillita combines the sale of high-quality coffee with the distribution of newspapers and magazines, in addition to incorporating urban art and music, creating a space that fuses tradition and modernity.
The success of the proposal can be seen every day in the area, where lines of passers-by are generated in search of a coffee from this charming newsstand.
A similar option is located in Plaza España, in the province of Córdoba, where Diario, café y libros operates, a proposal that was quickly accepted by locals and that even now seeks to expand to more locations.
Other examples of adaptation are found on Corrientes Avenue, in the heart of downtown Buenos Aires.either. There, the stallholders comment that they have also had to adapt to the new times, trying to attract tourists not only with souvenirs and regional products, but also offering services such as luggage care for travelers who check out early. In addition, some stalls function as reception points for online purchases, an increasingly requested service.
Other positions specialized in the sale of book collections and collectible items, finding a market niche with good acceptance. One success story was the launch of a collection of romantic classics, which included Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice. At an affordable price of $2,999 per hardcover copy, it sold out in a matter of days.
Posts for sale
The truth is that, faced with the debacle of the traditional business of selling newspapers and magazines, many kiosk owners are looking to sell their goodwill. For example, on the Mercado Libre platform there are positions that are offered for prices ranging from USD 20,000 to USD 50.00.0, especially promoted to be converted under these new modalities.
As a quality, some of these newsstands have the authorization to operate 24 hours a day so they could also offer, for example, coffee outside the dance clubs. In addition, they only pay for electricity and are very low maintenance facilities.
This phenomenon is not exclusive to Argentina; It is a global trend that recently arrived in the country but has been consolidated for some time in various cities in Europe.. In these places, it is common to see old kiosks converted into innovative businesses that even become photographic attractions for tourists.
However, at the local level, despite these initiatives, the conversion of newsstands faces significant obstacles. Competition with convenience stores and the constant change in consumer preferences force stallholders to adopt creative strategies and thoroughly understand the local market. Furthermore, training in new technologies and product diversification are essential aspects to ensure the success of this transformation.
Source: Ambito
I am a 24-year-old writer and journalist who has been working in the news industry for the past two years. I write primarily about market news, so if you’re looking for insights into what’s going on in the stock market or economic indicators, you’ve come to the right place. I also dabble in writing articles on lifestyle trends and pop culture news.
