Changing provincial guidelines due to rising Covid-19 numbers have sent several regions into Lockdown 2.0.

Here’s what we know:

Chapters and Indigo stores in Manitoba (there are three there) and in the Toronto and Peel regions of Ontario (affecting another ten Chapters/Indigo stores) will be closed to the public for at least four weeks. There are about 90 Chapters/Indigo stores in total across the country. Independent bookstores in these regions will also be affected, with most moving to curbside delivery and pick-up. Stores in Manitoba began this a week ago; stores in Toronto and Peel started on November 23.

Our plan at this point is to pick, pack and hold orders for closed stores and send these orders when they reopen. This is also Disticor’s plan for the Chapters/Indigo distribution. Tilwood (the Magazines Canada warehouse) and the Disticor warehouse will remain open for receiving and shipping to open stores as usual.

At this time we do not anticipate draw numbers to be affected. Should there be further lockdowns from other regions, or should the current lockdowns continue into the new year, we will be asking publishers to get in touch requesting new draws in advance of sending copies, as we did this past spring and summer.

If you have questions, please contact Chris Chambers directly at cchambers@magazinescanada.ca or 416.994.6471 x233.

Chris Chambers
Retail Accounts Manager
Magazines Canada