Will John Menzies Digital’s new e-magazine download service prove a lifeline for dwindling subscriptions of glossy magazines? The joint venture between Scottish distribution firm John Menzies and French publishing giant Lagardere has launched an online service—magazinesondemand.co.uk—where customers can download digital versions of magazines to their computer after installing free “delivery” software onto their PCs. The software also allows users to view, store and search the downloaded magazine, as well as putting it on a USB key to allow consumers to use it on multiple machines.

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The online service includes a number of top glossies—all from Lagardere’s vast stable—such as women’s magazines InStyle, Elle, and Marie Claire among others, and gives users a “substantial discount” off the single issue cover price of a paper magazine. Consumers aren’t tied into a minimum subscription period and can also buy a “Pick and Mix” subscription for £8.99 a month, which allows them to choose any four magazines on the site for downloading.

John Menzies Digital is currently working with e-commerce partners to increase the service’s distribution. So far, it has reached an agreement with WH Smith to make the new service available on the high street book retailer’s web site, as well as promoting it online and in its physical stores. (release)