Fans of hobbies such as model railways and those who enjoy puzzle-solving have responded to rising consumer demand for home delivery of magazines during the Covid-19 crisis.

With people being urged to stay at home, there has been a massive increase in requests for door to door deliveries for all everyday essential items – so the family business GE White Ltd, based at Balthane Industrial Estate in Ballasalla, has stepped in to do its bit to help.

The company has created a new website – buymagsdirect.co.im – which offers a choice of 3,000 magazines covering subjects to interest all the family, including news, sport, music, leisure, food and comics to name but a few.

Carl Gough, managing director, told Business News the magazine service was proving especially popular with hobbyists and one railway enthusiast placed an order for £50 worth of periodicals devoted to trains.

specialist

Consumer and television publications are sought after but Mr Gough said it appeared that specialist magazines along with puzzle periodicals were doing particularly well.

It appears reading or doing crosswords and other pen and paper puzzles can also be good ways to cope with the stress of social isolation.

Mr Gough said: ‘We are proud to be the Isle of Man’s sole wholesaler and distributor of newspapers, including Isle of Man Newspapers and magazines.

‘Since social distancing and social isolation measures were put in place, all of the retailers we supply have done an excellent job supporting their local communities by stepping up home deliveries.

‘However, it became clear to us that additional capacity was needed to meet demand, which is why we launched this new service that will see our familiar fleet of vans and our fantastic team of drivers delivering direct to customers.

‘Of course, consumers can still order magazines for home delivery or collection from their local newsagent, convenience store or other retailer – but buymagsdirect.co.im now gives them even more

choice.’