Linda Collison, Owner, Esquire News

NEW TIMES: How long has Esquire News been in Pismo Beach?

COLLISON: We’ve been around for over 40 years, and you’ll be hard pressed to find another shop like this nowadays.

NEW TIMES: What do you offer that is different from corporate magazine stores?

COLLISON: We offer a sense of personality and friendship. We know who wants the cooking magazines versus someone who reads Sports Illustrated. Our customers help give this business an identity and a strong following in our community.

NEW TIMES: Do you choose magazines and books based on popularity or demand?

COLLISON: We base most of our magazines from popularity. If we start to see a decline in sales in a certain magazine, we’ll typically cancel our subscription base and special order for certain customers. We’re always capable of placing orders for specific magazines and books if you’re interested in them.

NEW TIMES: What are some of your most popular magazines?

COLLISON: Sports Illustrated and Cosmopolitan are our biggest sellers. We also have a great deal of local magazines that showcase what this county has to offer in tourism and wineries. We’re thankful that many of the tourists who visit this county will grab a cup of coffee, come over and grab a magazine or a newspaper and enjoy what Pismo has to offer.

This article appears in May 6-13, 2010.