From Dream to Doors Open: Unique Magazines’ Grand Opening Celebration of people and print

Our adventure into the physical retail world started over a year ago, back in April 2024. Since then, it has been a whirlwind of trials and errors, new ideas, new walls, new mags and plenty of chopping and changing to get it all just right.

As we approached the final touches, we decided to share it with the local print community in the form of a Grand Opening. Of course, as always, print was at the heart of our plans — but we wanted it to be more than that. We wanted a day of real connection and community.

It was still early, well before 10am, and we watched as people stopped by to see David at the coffee cart. Clutching cups stamped with “mags, coffee, and vibes,” they stepped through our doors with wide eyes and warm smiles, taking in the completely transformed space — more creative, more inspiring, more of us than ever before.

Before long, the place was packed with family, friends, regulars, and even brand-new faces all here to celebrate with us. As we gathered the crowd outside, it was time for the moment we’d been building towards- the ribbon cutting and the official opening of our store. And who better to do the honours than a local customer who has supported us through it all?

Jim started shopping with us during the pandemic, when local stores were closed and the world was full of uncertainty. Back then, all many of us craved was something familiar — and for Jim, that comfort came in the form of his weekly magazines. When life returned to normal, he could have easily gone back to grabbing them with his weekly shop. But he didn’t. He chose to keep supporting a local, independent, friendly team and to say thank you, we invited Jim to cut the ribbon and officially open our store.

After that emotional and meaningful milestone in our journey, we invited everyone back inside to browse, smell, and feel the print. We encouraged people to grab a free hot drink, spin the prize wheel for goodies, chat to our print specialists, and enjoy some colouring fun with the kids.

From start to finish, the day was alive — conversations flowed, new connections were made, and people left inspired by our vibrant hub built for the Northeast community. For those who had visited before, there was a real sense of “wow” at how far we’d come. And for newcomers, it was disbelief that we’d been quietly tucked away in this little corner of Swalwell all along.

But what struck us most was the overwhelming sense of community and warmth. Strangers struck up conversations like old friends, new faces were welcomed with open arms, families beamed with pride at what we’d built, and our supporters took to social media to share their experiences — helping spread the word about our little hidden gem in Swalwell.

We ended the day feeling emotional, full-hearted, and honestly a bit overwhelmed — in the most beautiful way. Our space had been brought to life not just by the print, but by the people who filled it.

This was the first of many moments we hope to share. With exciting things already in the works, we can’t wait to welcome you back — whether it’s for another event, a quiet browse, or just a good coffee and conversation.

From the bottom of our hearts, thank you. To everyone who showed up, who cheered us on, who brought a friend, shared a post, bought a mag, or simply smiled as they walked through the door — you made it unforgettable.

This space is ours, but it only becomes something special when it’s shared with you.

All photography in this article was captured by the talented Canny Candid @cannycandid (Instagram)