By:  Hal C Clarke

Nestled quaintly in the heart of the West Village stands Casa Magazines, a charming relic of print media in an era dominated by digital content. Despite its modest size and humble 80-year-old roots, this tiny shop has found itself thrust into the limelight of contemporary fashion and culture.

The NY Post ran a lovely tribute to the magazine shop.

In a recent collaboration with the renowned fashion brand Madewell during Fashion Week, Casa Magazines showcased its timeless appeal by offering bespoke denim jackets adorned with its iconic logo. The store’s windows were transformed into an exhibition of style, featuring a captivating denim zine courtesy of Madewell.

This partnership with Madewell is merely the latest chapter in Casa’s story of resilience and relevance. While many print publications and their accompanying retailers have succumbed to the pressures of modernity, Casa Magazines continues to flourish. Bolstered by robust sales and a burgeoning online presence boasting nearly 50,000 Instagram followers, including a cadre of influential New Yorkers, Casa has become a hub for both celebrities and fashion-forward individuals alike. Icons such as Julianne Moore and Sarah Jessica Parker are counted among its regular clientele, while esteemed brands clamor for the opportunity to collaborate.

At the helm of Casa Magazines is Syed Khalid “Ali” Wasim, a stalwart figure amidst the stacks of periodicals that adorn the store. With a tenure spanning 24 years, Wasim proudly proclaims his role as the orchestrator of Casa’s operations. Reflecting on the shop’s enduring success, he attributes it to the steadfast patronage of the local community, comprised of writers, directors, actors, and aficionados who maintain a fervent appreciation for the tangible allure of print media.

The Madewell denim jackets, which flew off the shelves within a day of their debut, mark just one of Casa’s ventures into the realm of fashion. Previous collaborations with brands like Vans and hosting events such as Valentino’s book launch underscore Casa’s status as a cultural hotspot. Wasim himself even had a moment in the fashion spotlight as a model for True Religion. Notably, a depiction of Casa Magazines found its place within the fictional world of Carrie Bradshaw’s closet in the “Sex and the City” reboot, “And Just Like That.”

Beyond its commercial successes, Casa Magazines remains deeply rooted in its community, fostering enduring relationships with patrons spanning generations. Wasim recounts tales of longstanding connections with customers, from childhood to adulthood, underscoring the familial atmosphere that permeates the store. Whether it’s Bridget from Antwerp, drawn to Casa’s charm via social media, or Luis Lopez, a local bus driver who finds solace in Casa during his breaks, the shop serves as a nexus of human connection amidst the bustling streets of New York City.

As Casa Magazines continues to evolve, its essence remains unchanged—a sanctuary for magazine enthusiasts, a beacon of nostalgia in a rapidly changing world. For Wasim, the realization of his lifelong dream is evident in the bustling, eclectic space that Casa has become—a testament to the enduring allure of print media and the enduring spirit of community.

Much like the resurgence of the vinyl record album, retro forms of media have a solid niche.

The decline of print media has been a protracted narrative in the modern era, characterized by the pervasive influence of digital technology and shifting consumer habits. Over the past few decades, traditional newspapers and magazines have faced a myriad of challenges, hastening their decline.

One of the primary factors contributing to this decline is the rise of online platforms and digital content consumption. With the advent of the internet, readers have increasingly turned to online news outlets, blogs, and social media platforms for their information needs. The immediacy, convenience, and often free accessibility of digital content have rendered traditional print media obsolete for many.