Can I put an alternative view to Brian's.
Over the years, 20 or so, I have used: buy from WHS; regular order with local newsagent; susbscription. I used to live near to Bradford whilst working in Leeds. I now live in a rural area.
Of all these, overall subscription has been the most reliable – except a few years ago when Nexus sold out to My Hobby Store, or whoever. I have seen the magazine on sale in Leeds WHS before my newsagent has received my copy: apparently this was the wholesaler, Menzies I believe, correctly holding on to the newsagent copies until the required date (WHS were on display early). Unfortunately, this did cause ill feeling between myself and the newsagent until I realized what was happening. Hence, even though I lived in a city, I went for the subscription as I then didn't have to bother too much about newsgagent/Menzies/WHS/dates.
One thing I have noticed out here in the sticks, is that depite having a permanent order with my newsagent for the weekend papers, there have been times when the wholesaler, Menzies, does not supply sufficient copies even for the newsagents permanent orders: which then necessitates walking back home, getting in the car and driving to the nearest filling station where I have always found many copies of the missing paper. Ok, it is only 1½ miles, but it should not be necessary. Now consider what would happen if I placed a permanent order for the magazine and it doesn't turn up. How long do I wait? Especially as the nearest large WHS is 27 miles away. There are two smaller ones about 14 miles away but there is no guarantee that they will have them. Furthermore, there are no other large WHS type shops within easy reach which may stock the magazine.
It does not actually bother me if my subscription is delivered after they are on show in WHS etc. As long as I get it, that is, but in reality, subscription does seem to be the most reliable option for me. Certainly if I was dependant on the local newsagent with a permanent order, my experiences over the years would leave me rather worried each month until it turned up as I simply do not trust the wholesaler.
Regards,
Peter G. Shaw