The Big Issue has partnered with Woolworths Supermarkets to support vendors by stocking magazines in a number of suburban and regional stores across Australia.

Magazines will be available in select stores from Monday 20 July, with all proceeds going towards The Big Issue and their vendors through the Vendor Support Fund.

This fund will be used to offset the cost price of products for vendors, allowing them to earn a larger margin on their own street sales.

The partnership with Woolworths 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.

Vendors will continue to sell the bulk of magazines on streets around Australia, with sales made through selected Woolworths stores to complement vendor sales.

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.

“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 Big Issue vendors,” he said. “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.”

As per the traditional street magazine model, 100% of proceeds will go towards The Big Issue and their vendors. Half the magazine cover price will go towards supporting vendors, while the other half will go towards The Big Issue magazine production costs.

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,” he said.

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.” Ovato is the distributor of the magazine to Woolworths,” Hepworth said.

The latest edition of the magazine includes an exclusive interview with Kermit the Frog and Ozzy Osbourne, plus stories from Australian writer Mark Brandi and an interview with director Michael Winterbottom.