So, if you’re one of the thousands of people who pick up a copy of the Weekly at Circle K each week, next week you’ll have to go elsewhere. For reasons that aren’t entirely clear to me or anyone else around here, the convenience store chain has kicked us out of their stores, seemingly to replace us with AZ Weekly, a Phoenix publication expanding its reach into Southern Arizona.
We have a few things in common with AZ Weekly. We are both printed on paper, have information about events, and…well, that might be it. First of all, it’s a Phoenix publication, so there’s that, but even ignoring the fact that an advertiser can buy editoral content, it’s a pretty lousy paper. Their media kit brags that the publication is “Non-political, non-cynical, non polarizing. Non-offensive,” which is mostly a code word for dull, dull and dull. Best of luck to them. I hear people down here are really looking for more information about what there is to do in Phoenix.
Still, my main issue is with Circle K, who apparently think that they’re not getting anything out of having the Weekly in their locations and that Tucsonans are fine with whatever crap you put in front of them. For obvious reasons, I have a different opinion, but if you’d like to share with their management that you’ll miss having their locations available as an easy place to grab our paper, feel free to let them know. The customer service number for Circle K’s Southwest Region is (602) 728-8000.
In the meantime, we’re still all over town with convenient racks all over the Tucson area. On our website, we have a somewhat interactive map that you can search to see where the Weekly can be found near you. If there’s a business you think should have the Weekly, let the manager know they can get a rack free of charge. All they have to do is call us at 295-4220. If you don’t feel like going anywhere to get an issue each week, we’re looking into providing home delivery (seriously, no kidding) for a small fee. If that’s something you’d be interested in, send me an email and I’ll let you know when that’s available.
The most important thing to know is that while we won’t be available a few places we used to be, we’re still in nearly 700 locations around Tucson with more to come. Thanks for reading us. And no thanks to you, Circle K.
This article appears in Mar 14-20, 2013.
Circle K sucks anyways. Keep your paper available at businesses that at least pretend to give a rat’s ass about having someone as a customer. I say this act is a blessing in disguise for better run and more customer friendly businesses.
How about expanding into the Phoenix area? They could USE a better paper.
Seriously? A Phoenix paper? With respect to the AZ Weekly, it isn’t a substitute. It doesn’t serve our community well when we don’t support our local media.
Just left a message for Circle K’s Customer Service: (602) 728-8000
Here’s a handy guide if you want to sail through the automated options:
–Press 6 (Customer Service)
–Press 3 (“Stores in West Phoenix Northern and Southern Arizona and Nevada”)
I left a message with the “Option 3” line, but FYI — the prompt also tells you to dial 520-722-6434 for any Tucson concerns.
Will you be including “Boondockian” Rio Rico in “home delivery?”
Yep, I know that’s a silly question, but you might consider putting one of your racks somewhere farther south, because I know – for a fact – that you have more than quite a few of online readers here in Santa Cruz County.
Like me, who’s been enjoying reading your online paper for a couple of years, but, so far, who’s never had the pleasure of holding your print version in my hands.
If I had that pleasure, I might even be persuaded to take that 110-mile round trip up to busy, bustling Tucson from tranquil, laid-back Rio Rico more than the two annual trips I so grudgingly take.
To visit, maybe, some of your advertisers?
In order to register a complaint with the Circle K Tucson district office, you must call 520-296-0086, option 1, to reach the District Manager’s voice mail. Let’s light-em-up.
Who needs Circle K anyway? T.W. readers do not patronize the fools!
One thing not needed in Tucson, more crap outa Phoenix. Their indy paper suxs royaly, you guys are still the best in my books.
I can’t help but wonder if Circle K had the same reaction I did to an issue I picked up in February. It had the word SEX on the front cover. I figured all right cool, I’m not a prude, and maybe it’s a tasteful article about sex. We can talk about sex without being offensive and disgusting, Well, you proved me wrong. I found the article about the Meet Rack; it was by far the worst trash I have ever seen. Come on a picture of a dildo, this is a free magazine that anyone could pick up, especially kids. Not only was the picture gross, but you write a story about a prostitute using it in the bar! Really, your main distributors are Circle K’s, Local business and hotels; I can’t help but wonder if for a minute the editors of this paper thought, “How would our distributors feel about handing out a free paper that has pictures of dildo’s in it?” Based on the editorial for that issue, you knew, and now you get to view the backlash of your actions. I wonder how many people realize how the Adult Classifieds are used to pimp out little girls. Yes I went there. You put trash in your magazine, and now it’s getting thrown in the trash. I can only say kudos to Circle K and AZ Weekly for taking a stance against the filth.
WOW! I think someone could use a dildo! But seriously, I’ve been reading the weekly religiously for almost 30 years, just a guess here, but if I added up the money I spent at Ci
K everytime I stopped by to pick it up…..It would be in the hundreds…if not thousands….MORONS! I will find another place to take my money to and get my favorite all around Tucson information magazine
Looks like I have no reason whatsoever to set foot in Circle K, now that the “they suck but they support the paper I read” argument is gone.
It should be noted that Courtney works for Yellow Cab, a company associated with AZ Weekly.
Anyhow, we have standards and practices in place to ensure adult advertisers are actually adults. If you can find a single bit of evidence to the contrary, you should probably take it to the police. Otherwise, what you say might be considered defamatory.
As an insider to this whole matter, the reasons were clearly explained by Circle K execs to Tucson Weekly execs in a closed door meeting between both company officials. For the same reason that Circle K replaced Phoenix New Times with AZ Weekly at all Circle K locations in Phoenix, Circle K cannot continue to carry a publication with adult content per the complaints from a growing number of their customers. If you examine recent issues of Tucson Weekly, you will know what I’m talking about. The content is absolutely inappropriate and immediate action was needed to be taken. If Tucson Weekly decides to drop their adult content altogether (ads and editorial), they are more than welcome to approach Circle K again to reestablish the distribution relationship. Until then, Tucson Weekly should welcome AZ Weekly as a friendly competitor in the local market.
Hey Anonymous: So, if you have inside knowledge, you must work for Circle K, right? If you’re speaking for your company, it might be slightly more ethical to just speak under your own name. Just one of those things. Either that or you work for AZ Weekly and then you’re just being dishonest.
What you leave out of your inside knowledge, is that we asked if removing the adult content would make a difference. The rep for Circle K said no, that an exclusive agreement had been signed with AZ Weekly. Every company makes choices based on what they think their brand can handle and what will make money for the company. Circle K chose money up front from AZ Weekly for an exclusive agreement over the benefits they receive from several thousand customers coming in for the Weekly every seven days. That’s fine (although it would have been nice to let us counter), but now Circle K has to deal with disgruntled Weekly readers. Make your bed and lie in it. I know that Circle K just won’t see any of my money in the meantime, and it seems like some of our readers will be doing the same.
Also, for what its worth, AZ Weekly isn’t a competitor, as far as I see it. With less than 900 Facebook fans, it would appear most readers don’t see it as one either.
I just keep thinking, if the content is the real issue here, is CK getting rid of all magazines placed next to or above the weekly? All the car magazines with beautiful women on the cover, Maxim magazine, Sports illustrated, tattoo magazines,National Enquier, etc…NONE of them bother me in the very least, my kids don’t go into a store and buy them (thanks to our parenting skills Courtney). My kids also know not to pick up free magazines, especially ones geared towards an 18 and over audience without my knowledge…Tucson Weekly kicked out because content? I don’t believe that for a….WAIT! I just saw the Easter Bunny AND Santa Claus outside my window!
By the way Dan, there are thousands of Tucson Weekly readers that will continue their support, as I told you at the festival of books last weekend ( I’m the guy who asked about the Tucson musicians calendar ) LONG LIVE TUCSON WEEKLY!
Dan, I work for neither Circle K or AZ Weekly. I’m just an individual who’s very familiar with the matter. I can tell you up front that no money changed hands between AZ Weekly and Circle K. You can’t counteroffer because there was no offer. Exclusive distribution agreement? LOL
Anonymous: Then someone’s lying, either AZ Weekly which is telling advertisers they have an exclusive at Circle K, Circle K which told us the same thing, or you. Since you don’t even have the integrity to post your name or what company you’re associated with that would have this information, I’m going to go with the simplest answer. Cheers!
Hey Dan your such a wordsmith in this post but not in your printed paper? You know why you were removed from Circle K and you forgot to mention that in the printed version! I’m sure that was left out for obvious reasons. You trash a paper that you probubly never heard of till a week ago. Thats pretty sad! You made a fool of yourself in not telling the whole story. The truth will be known.
kind of off topic but I find it funny that the same paper that thought getting rid of movie times was a good idea cause thats a thing of the past that papers did is thinking about home delivery for a small fee
Dan, taking on Circle K may not be the best way to keep your new job. Some of the covers you have been coming up with are not appropriated for a free newspaper easily accessible by children.
Join the movement to boycott Circle K until they support our LOCAL community. https://www.facebook.com/pages/Boycott-Cir…
As for the sex issue. It may have been a bit over the top and there are a couple annual editions I really would like to see retired – especially the “Get out of town” issue which I feel is childish and mean-spirited. However, if Circle K had a problem with content they need to be upfront about it. They could have issued a statement that the more adult oriented content just didn’t work in their business and left it at that and I could have respected that even though I might disagree. But to hammer out a commercial relationship with a Phoenix company, drop a local paper and THEN go back and try to come up with a “reason” smacks of deceit. It would have more veracity if they didn’t offer any paper, but that’s not what happened and this obviously had to do with Phoenix businesses supporting each other and probably money changing hands. What’s even more telling about this bit of corporate mendacity is the fact that Circle K currently has members of their marketing department trolling here, Facebook and other places writing glowing “reviews” of the AZ Weekly and pretending to be local citizens from Tucson. Note: It helps if you don’t use your personal accounts with your employment at CircleK or an AZ Weekly affiliate listed!
Interesting read. I can’t speak for the paper but I can certainly speak for myself. Dan, I think you have a fabulous publication. Obviously, you’ve been around for a while. You’ve built a loyal following and that’s not easy as I’m sure you know. As for your content, some people will like it and some people won’t. You can’t please everyone. You just have to do the best you can. I have no problem with Tucson Weekly. As far as I’m concerned, this is your town and your paper. I support local businesses just as much as the next person here. AZ Weekly is a local publication just like yours. The only difference is we’re based in Phoenix. Our Tucson edition will obviously have Tucson content and advertisers. I do believe this market can support two local publications. We’re here to offer the citizens of Tucson, including your readers, an alternative to what’s already here. Keep up the good work on your end and we’ll do our best to put out a good product on our end. Ultimately, the citizens of Tucson will benefit from the existence of both Tucson Weekly and AZ Weekly. The first Tucson edition will debut next week at all Circle K locations among many other sites on Wednesday, March 20th. For those of you who can’t wait and want to check out AZ Weekly already, our website is http://www.azweeklymagazine.com and our Facebook page is http://www.facebook.com/azweeklymagazine. I look forward to servicing the Tucson community.
It’s a competitive world out there. If someone beats you instead of a smarmy response, better to look to see where you could improve. I would hate to see you end up like the Phoenix, but on the other hand your content is nothing special.
Scarpia, B: Yet you keep coming back to leave comments. Strange, that.
Your article makes you look really bad. For a magazine that thinks AZ weekly is a boring and worthless magazine you have sure put a lot of energy in to them. Good Job broadcasting your competitor to all of your advertisers too. No such thing as bad press. I own a Tucson restaurant and have talked to them. Your right the only thing you have in common is that you’re printed on paper. If you’re looking for a rub and tug at a local strip club or need to know where to get your marijuana or local methadone shot you got that demographic covered and you have no competition. As for events and entertainment I think AZ Weekly will be a very strong competitor. Their distribution alone will out match yours. Because there a clean magazine is why there in the hotels, circle k’s , on campus, in taxi’s and upscale locations in both Phoenix and Tucson.
Second there prices for advertising are very competitive and are affordable for all businesses. We have tried working with the Tucson Weekly in the past and there was nothing but headache and overpriced ads. I’m excited there’s is a new publication in town. At least we have options now. Lots of your readers will become AZ Weekly readers very soon. Less of course there looking for a handy, new bong or car stereo! Your keep complaining that there not local but they are. There AZ Weekly :”Arizona” Weekly, Not the Phoenix Weekly or the Tucson Weekly. Me personally would love to know what is going on in Phoenix and have the Phoenix people know what is going on in Tucson. This will help support the local Tucson economy. At the end of the day I don’t think you’re going to lose much business to them but I do know that they will get business that will never advertise in your magazine because they don’t want to be associated with your content, advertisers or views. You have burned too many bridges over the last 30 years. Tucson business will grow because they are advertising in AZ Weekly magazine and not yours. Good job Circle K for raising your standards!!! #Circlekstandards
Tucson Restaurant: That is a spectacular ad for AZ Weekly. It’s almost like you work for them in Phoenix, instead of owning a Tucson restaurant. Almost.
No not at all and i don’t work for circle K ether. It just really upset me that a few days after talking with them, I see your article bashing them both because you cant and put your magazine in the circle k locations and yet act like your don’t know why when a dozen people on this blog can tell you. I don’t see you bashing any of the other publications in town. Tucson weekly has been around and will stay around. Why go out of your way and bash the new guy in town. you don’t hear radio stations bashing each other like publications do. Its just sad that a editor has to stoop to that level. I just think that Tucson weekly could of dealt with it in a better way. Now you have completely burned your bridge with circle k.
Tucson: It’s just funny that your email address is associated with a bunch of events in Phoenix and your IP address seems to indicate you’re from up north as well. Could be a coincidence. It’s just odd. Thanks for the advice.
I’ve been reading the Tucson Weekly since the first issue, back in the 80s, back when I feared for the safety of the writers of The Skinny, because they were so fearless. Remember? Anyone?
What I really love in an alt-weekly are local stories and issues covered by crack journalists without censorship as to position, without a right-wing slant, without a corporate mindset. The quality of the TW took a rather noticeable editorial dive when Jimmy Boegle came in to run it, and it just seems like it’s lost grit and focus. These days, I look to papers like the free, independent Chicago Weekly to stand in for what the rest of you guys used to pull off, and I just check the TW online to see the event listings, movie reviews, and maybe read a story here and there. It’s been a long time since I’ve been stopped in my tracks by an issue of the Weekly, or an intro by the editor.
I’d love to see the kind of edge that the TW used to have come back, but now? I”m writing this instead of writing Circle K, because I stopped picking up the TW print edition a few years ago.
I just picked up an issue of AZWeekly. I’m not sure what it going on in there. You have to sift through poor graphics and busy pages to find any content. In fact, I don’t think I found any content. It is in the recycling bin. I won’t be picking up another. At least there are articles to read int the Tucson Weekly. Award-winning ones at that.