UK Marie Claire, a prestigious glossy fashion-focused magazine, has recently announced its transition to a digital-only format. This decision comes amidst the struggle of many print magazines to adapt to the digital age. Under license from the Groupe Marie Claire, the UK edition will no longer be available in print. The shift was prompted by TI Media’s failure to meet expected circulation figures, with the last available data from July to December 2018 showing 120,000 copies circulated, a significant portion of which were distributed for free. In contrast, the magazine’s website boasts over two million users.
Marie Claire UK joins a growing number of publications that have embraced digital platforms due to changing consumer trends. Over the past 18 months, TI Media has discontinued print editions of Now and NME, while Condé Nast made a similar move with Glamour in 2017.
While the UK edition transitions to digital, other international versions of Marie Claire in countries like France, the US, Australia, and Argentina will continue to be published. TI Media is currently engaged in discussions with around 35 employees affected by the ceasing of print production. The digital platform will prioritize editorial content alongside shopping links, recognizing the increasing importance of e-commerce. The Marie Claire Edit shopping platform partners with major retailers like Farfetch, Net-a-Porter, and Asos, indicating a strategic focus on monetizing the digital publication. The Fabled beauty and well-being segment will also receive attention as a key aspect of the brand’s strategy.
Established in 1998 with Glenda Bailey as the inaugural editor-in-chief, Marie Claire UK has been a prominent figure in the British fashion and beauty scene. Recognized for its advertising campaigns and advocacy on women’s issues, the magazine has struggled to maintain profitability due to declining ad revenues in the face of online competition. Retailer Next recently acquired Fabled beauty and well-being operation from Marie Claire’s original joint venture partner, marking a shift in ownership.
In summary, Marie Claire UK’s transition to digital-only underscores the challenges traditional print magazines face in the digital era. By focusing on digital platforms and e-commerce partnerships, the publication aims to cater to the evolving preferences of modern readers. This shift reflects a broader trend in the industry towards digital consumption and highlights the necessity for magazines to adapt to survive in a rapidly changing landscape.
For more information on Marie Claire UK’s transition, visit Marie Claire UK.
To learn more about the impact of digital transformation on the magazine industry, check out this article from Forbes.
