About Us

Routes to Retail is a sales, marketing and distribution specialist of magazines, newspapers, and home entertainment products (Books, Film & Music) into Independent & Major UK retailers, with an online single copy business offering direct to consumer services.
We provide end-to-end commercial and operational solutions for retail, tailored ranges of titles to meet customer demands in-store; and direct-to-consumer online solutions. We pride ourselves on being creative and flexible for all clients.
Our network of retailers are based across the country and range from independent newsagents to Garden Centres, Art Galleries & Craft Shops to mainstream retailers such as Tesco, Morrison’s, Lidl, Poundland, Hobbycraft, and HMV.
Part of the Frontline Group, with over 60% share of the magazine market, Routes to Retail have strong backing but as an independent company the ability to provide a balanced service, and access all UK products, with a flexible approach and strong commercial focus.

Our Journey

Delivering Creative, Flexible & Adaptable Solutions

In 2017 R2R was a niche, specialist distributor of magazines, mainly focused on Independents before being acquired by Frontline Group which is the UK’s leading magazine sales, marketing, and distribution company. Founded 32 years ago, Frontline is a market leader with over 800 magazine brands representing over 60% of UK Newsstand sales and 75% of Export sales in 90 overseas territories.

Frontline Group is a major innovator in the supply of magazines redefining copy management, retail marketing, analysis & reporting, supply chain fulfillment, product placement, brand activation, and digital services.

  • 2017R2R Acquired

  • 2018100 Independent Retail Businesses

  • 2018HMV Partnership

  • 2019Poundland Partnership

  • 2019Lidl Partnership

  • 2020Acquired MagsDirect

  • 2021Complete Internal System Upgrade

  • 2022Film Studio Partnerships

  • 2023Music Studio Partnerships

  • 2024Book Publisher Partnerships

Our Mission

"Follow the consumer and grow selling space"

R2R provides new outlets and revenue streams outside of a product's traditional network. Utilising existing resources to find new ways of operating at retail, opening different profit channels at the right price. R2R’s aim is to provide flexible and innovative solutions to product clients and retailers.