ASDA and WH Smith join army of retailers selling The Big Issue

ASDA and WHSmith are the latest retailers to sell copies of The Big Issue in response to the devastating impacts of Covid-19.

You can now buy The Big Issue in 292 ASDA outlets across the UK, and in select WHSmith stores.

The weekly magazine is priced at £3, with 50 per cent of the cover price going direct to our vendors — just like when they sell it on the streets.

The supermarket giant and retailer join Sainsbury’s, Co-op and McColl’s who have also started selling the magazine in-store since we were forced to stop our vendors selling on the streets.

The spread of coronavirus meant it was no longer safe for them to continue selling in their usual way — effectively stripping them of their ability to earn a living.

However, in-store sales will allow us to continue to help the homeless and vulnerable people who rely on magazine sales for their income.

It’s the first time in The Big Issue’s 29-year history that sales of the magazine have been taken off the streets and into stores.

The move was made necessary by the rapid spread of the virus, which itself has ushered in a whole era of firsts— as editor Paul McNamee noted in a recent column.

He also extended warm thanks to everyone who has shown their support so far – particularly the ‘thousands of new subscribers’ – saying: “If you’re one of our new readers, thank you and welcome. If you’re buying in a shop, thank you.”

As The Big Issue retail revolution continues to grow, Russell Blackman, MD, also added his thanks, saying: “The money raised will help to secure the future of the magazine and make a real difference to the lives of our vendors around the country.”

As well as picking up a copy of the magazine whilst shopping for essentials, it’s also possible to support The Big Issue and our vendors by subscribing to the magazine for three months.

You can either subscribe to the print edition, or a digital edition is available via The Big Issue App — available via the App Store and Google Play.