For many years, local Kroger stores have rented rack space in their lobbies for such publications, providing an indispensable access point for readers. No matter where you are in Middle Tennessee, you’re never far from a Kroger. If you don’t go to bars, Kroger is one of the easiest places to find Out & About Nashville, unless you’re a McKay’s Bookstore junky like I am. Recently, however, Kroger announced that they will no longer distribute free publications in their entryways, dealing a blow to local publishing. During a time when free local magazines and newspapers are struggling to continue to provide the services they offer, the loss of a huge distribution network is especially difficult.
As the Memphis Flier reported, “Kroger is severing its relationship with DistribuTech, the company that has long had the contract to distribute the aforementioned free publications in Kroger stores. The current deal ends October 15, 2019. At this point, it is unclear whether any other arrangements can be made by any of the local publications with Kroger, either with individual stores or region-wide. DistribuTech says the edict from Kroger to pull all free publications from its stores is coming from its national headquarters in Cincinnati.” This impacts not just O&AN, but publications both large (like The Scene) and small (publications for groups as diverse as senior citizens, African Americans, Hispanics, the LGBTQ+ community, and parents, and children.
So, beginning October 15, those of you who found your copy of O&AN at your local Kroger will have to look elsewhere. We are currently in the process of recruiting local businesses as distribution points, and have already expanded our distribution by 20 locations (see the list below for new locations). Local businesses who wish to carry O&AN should contact editor@outvoices.us. We appreciate your support as we move forward through this new challenge!
ShiMai Gallery of Contemporary Craft
8400 Highway 100, Nashville, TN 37221
Frothy Monkey - 12 South
2509 12th Ave South, Nashville, TN 37201
The Groove Records
1103 Calvin Ave, Nashville, TN 37206
Grimey’s New and Preloved Music
1060 East Trinity Lane, Nashville, TN 37216
Revelator Coffee
1817 21st Avenue South, Nashville, TN 37212
Bongo Java
2007 Belmont Blvd., Nashville, TN 37212
Fido
1812 21st Ave South, Nashville, TN 37212
Bongo East
107 S. 11th St., Nashville, TN 37206
Bongo Bakery
2229 10th Ave. South, Nashville, TN 37204
English & Co.
118 Powell Place, Nashville, TN 37204
Dose Coffee - West
3431 Murphy Road, Nashville, TN 37203
Dose Coffee - Riverside
1400 McGavock Pike, Nashville, TN 37216
Center 615
615 Main Street, Nashville, TN 37206
Music City PrEP Clinic
901 Woodland Street, Nashville, TN 37206
Ten Thousand Villages
3900 Hillsboro Pike, Suite 34, Nashville, TN 37042
Hotel Indigo
301 Union Street North, Nashville, TN 37201
Parnassus Books
3900 Hillsboro Pike, Suite 14, Nashville, TN 37042
Hillside Crossing Hotel
717 Spence Lane, Nashville, TN 37217
*OPENING NOVEMBER!