Definition of newsstand

retail outlet for single-copy magazine and newspaper sales; abbreviated N/S. Aside from the typical street corner and lobby newsstand, other outlets include bookstores, pharmacies, supermarkets, and convenience stores. Newsstand dealers buy publications from wholesalers or distributors, usually on a returnable basis, whereby unsold copies may be returned for a refund. The newsstands in some locations, such as airports, must pay a fee to the owner of the space occupied equal to a percentage of their gross revenue. This has discouraged some newsstands from selling magazines, because magazines offer a smaller profit margin than other items they could sell. Some airports have solved this problem by offering a tiered pricing structure that requires a smaller payment on magazine sales than other items (10% versus 15%), so that people using the airport will be able to buy magazines. In other locations, newsstand space may be allocated on the basis of who will pay the highest percentage of revenues to the landlord. The usual profit margin before deduction of the landlord's fee is 20% to the newsstand retailer and 40% to the wholesaler. The newsstand dealer may also get 6% to 10% more in the form of a retail display allowance.