Whether you’re an avid fashion reader or more interested in chopping up the glossy pages of publications for your next vision board, there’s always been something exciting about flipping through the pages of a fresh magazine. For creatives and dreamers alike, reading a magazine can feel like an escape into another world filled with inspiration. Or if you’re a Devil Wears Prada fan you may even consider magazines “A shining beacon of hope” (IYKYK). And while we’re no strangers to the wonders of digital media (Hello, The Local Girl!) we still appreciate the joys that come from having physical print in our hands.
Since phone screens have become the primary way to view news stories, flashy editorial images, and just about everything else, it’s no surprise to hear that the presence of physical prints has significantly declined over the years. Besides racks of tabloids at local drug stores or supermarkets, wide selections of magazines are now a true rarity; but there is something to be said about the magic of setting foot into a store dedicated to the art of print. So we took to the streets on a search to find some of the best selections of magazines nearest to Hoboken and Jersey City — most being just a quick PATH ride away. Read on to see which treasures we discovered locally.
Casa Magazines | 22 8th Avenue, New York City
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Casa Magazines, also known as “magazine lovers’ Mecca” (according to the Instagram bio), has been a staple in the West Village since 1994. Its loving owner, Mohammed Ahmed has dedicated his life to magazines for nearly 30 years and has been a friendly face to customers for decades. Now under new management as of early 2024 after selling to local chain Iconic Magazines, Casa is now under new ownership but will still be open for business. With floor-to-ceiling stacks of publications, customers can grab copies of The New Yorker, W Magazine, Vogue, and The Cut, to name a few. Casa carries over 2,500 titles and is just an 11-minute walk from both the 9th Street and Christopher Street PATH stations. The store is open from 8AM to 9PM daily.
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Barnes + Noble | 395 Route 3 East, Clifton
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Barnes + Noble is tried and true for all things printed. Besides the enormous book selection, Barnes + Noble is actually the largest retailer of magazines in America. The store carries over 3,000 magazine titles and 400 newspaper titles according to barnesandnobleinc.com. Luckily, there are 21 locations in New Jersey alone where we can get our magazine fixes. Besides the New York City locations, nearest to Hoboken and Jersey City is the Clifton Commons store which is open from 9AM to 10PM daily.
Davis Stationery | 638 Washington Street, Hoboken
Nestled amongst the hustle and bustle of Washington Street is the longtime storefront of Davis Stationery, one of the only places to find magazines in Hoboken. Husband and wife duo Manoj and Bhamini Shah have owned Davis Stationery for 34 years and remain one of the only traditional news stores in the area. The Shahs spoke to us about navigating the changes in the industry but remained true to their passions of keeping both newspapers and magazines in stock. They don’t plan on ever giving up their print selection. With dozens of publications and newspapers, Davis Stationery came highly recommended to us through the Hoboken Girl Insiders Facebook Group. Besides a generous array of magazines lining the entryway, the store also offers a plethora of convenience items for daily needs including snacks, drinks, $1.50 greeting cards, stationery, and even helium balloons for last-minute party gifts. Davis Stationery is open from 6AM-10PM daily to serve the Hoboken community.
Hoboken + Jersey City Public Libraries | Various Locations
Sometimes a quick browse through a fresh magazine can be a dose of inspiration. If you find yourself wandering through town, note that the Hoboken Public Library and Jersey City Public Library branches also carry magazines and newspapers. These libraries carry a variety of current subscriptions from fashion, business, science, food, and beyond. For those who have a library card, magazines can be checked out just as ordinary books. Cardholders can also access these publications online through each library’s digital platform. Check with the local library branch to see what’s currently available, the reference desks at both libraries are always willing to help.
Magazine Cafe | 15 West 37th Street, New York City
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If browsing through shelves of magazines with a fresh cup of coffee in hand sounds like a dream scenario, a visit to Magazine Cafe will embody just that. A short eight-minute walk from the 33rd Street PATH will land you at the doors of Magazine Cafe, a printed publication gem with magazines from around the world with a focus on fashion periodicals. This New York City gem carries over 10,000 domestic and international prints, stationery, and gifts. Magazine Cafe is open Monday to Friday from 8AM to 7PM and Saturday from 11AM to 5PM.
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Soho News International | 186 Prince Street, New York City
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Soho News International is a favorite among New Yorkers and tourists alike. Soho News carries over 3,400 news titles and magazines including international publications, fashion magazines, and literary works. This iconic store was named in the Top 12 Best International Newsstands in New York City by Racked.com and was also ranked in the Top 400 New York City shopping destinations on Tripadvisor. Plus, Soho News International’s business hours are well-suited for the city that never sleeps. The store is open Monday to Thursday from 6AM to 2AM and on Saturday and Sunday from 6AM to 3AM. This location is a 14-minute walk from the Christopher Street PATH and a 15-minute walk from the 9th Street PATH.