Update 20/10/2020: It’s been incredible to have the support of Woolworths over the past few months, who have stocked the magazine in selected stores while our vendors were unable to sell due to COVID-19. But now that our vendors are well and truly back on streets in NSW, WA, SA, Qld, Vic and the ACT, make sure you head to your local vendor to pick up the current edition!

While you won’t see the mag in stores across these states, Woolworths will continue to support vendors by stocking the magazine in selected Victorian stores until Christmas whilst the state continues to recover. We’d like to thank Woolworths for their support during a very uncertain time.

We are pleased to announce that from today Monday 20 July, readers can continue supporting the Big Issue vendors by picking up The Big Issue magazine at selected Woolworths stores across Australia. This is the first time in The Big Issue’s 24-year history that the magazine will be available in stores.

Magazines will be available at the same cover price of $9, with all proceeds going towards The Big Issue and our vendors. Half the cover price will go towards The Big Issue’s Vendor Support Fund – this fund will be used to offset the cost price of products for vendors, allowing them to earn more with each sale. As per the traditional street magazine model, the other half will go towards magazine production costs.

The move is part of The Big Issue’s COVID-19 recovery plan, as vendors return to the street to sell the magazine in an increasingly challenging retail environment.

The selected Woolworths stores are located in suburban and regional areas, as to not disrupt regular vendor selling. Vendors will continue to sell the bulk of magazines on streets around Australia, with sales made through selected Woolworths stores to complement this activity

The Big Issue CEO Steven Persson said;

“We are thrilled to be working with Woolworths and magazine distribution partner Ovato to bring The Big Issue magazine to more suburban and regional areas across Australia,” Mr Persson said.

“With decreased foot traffic in the CBD areas where the majority of our vendors sell, Woolworths sales will allow our loyal readers who are working from home to continue supporting The Big Issue vendors.

“Importantly, when our readers buy a magazine at a Woolworths store they’ll do so with the knowledge that they are still supporting some of the most vulnerable in our community to earn a meaningful income.”

Woolworths’ Head of Buying – Non Food James Hepworth said;

“The Big Issue is a great publication with an incredible social cause and we’re pleased to partner with them to extend the magazine’s reach.

“We know vendors are the heart and soul of The Big Issue. For this reason, we’ve been deliberate about stocking the magazine in suburban and regional areas where vendors don’t sell it on the streets.

“All sales of the magazine through Woolworths stores will benefit The Big Issue and their vendors, assisting at a time of increased social isolation in CBD areas.

“We hope our customers can dig deep to support this partnership during an especially difficult time for vendors at The Big Issue.”

New editions of the magazine will be available in Woolworths stores every second Monday.

Full list of participating stores:

NSW:
Baulkham Hills
Beecroft
Bella Vista
Blacktown
Brookvale
Byron Bay
Campbelltown
Caringbah
Eastgardens
Eastlakes
Frenchs Forest
Gordon
Liverpool
Maroubra
Mascot
Moorebank
Padstow
Penrith
Revesby
St Ives
Windsor

QLD:
Buderim
Caloundra
Camp Hill
Carina
Coolangatta
Coolum Beach
Hamilton
Lutwyche
Maleny
Manly
Maroochydore
Moorooka
Morningside
Nambour
Noosa
Noosaville
Tewantin

VIC:
Armadale
Balwyn
Black Rock
Blackburn South
Bundoora
Burwood East
Camberwell
Cheltenham
Clarinda
Coburg Hills
Doncaster
Doncaster East
East Camberwell
East Preston
Emerald
Ferntree Gully
Frankston
Glen Waverley
Greensborough
Hampton
Hampton Park
Hawthorn East
Heidelberg
Highettt
Highton
Ivanhoe
Kew
Kyneton
Lilydale
Middle Brighton
Moorabbin
Mornington
Mornington East
Mount Eliza
Mount Waverley
Oakleigh
Oakleigh South
Ocean Grove
Officer
Preston
Rye
South Yarra
St Kilda West
Sunshine
Templestowe
Toorak
Werribee
Werribee Central

SA:
Findon
Noarlunga
Torrens Park
Victor Harbor

WA:
Albany
Beechboro
Broome
Bull Creek
Clarkson
Currambine
Dianella
Ellenbrook
Esperance
Floreat Park
Kalamunda
Mandurah
Margaret River
Midland
Mount Pleasant
Port Coogee
Stirling
Success
Willagee
Willetton