H Bauer’s Bella has posted an ABC of 243,991 a period on period increase of 8.9% and a 27.4% increase year on year. With a year on year increase in copy sales of 52,889, Bella has the biggest growth of any magazine in the UK. It is the only traditional woman’s weekly magazine to show both period on period and year on year growth in full cover price newsstand sales
Bella has also gained ground on its nearest competitor with an increase in market share. Helen Lowe, Publisher, attributes this growth to a renewed interest in the classic title’s offering which is ‘obviously providing some needed escapism and ‘me-time’ in these serious economic times. The growth has shown that the new Bella has not only been able to attract new readers to the magazine, but also keep them coming back. Bella will continue to focus on editorial quality rather than cut price promotions which don’t appear to provide any longevity or retention to magazine brands.’ says Lowe. ‘To this aim, Bella will continue throughout 2009 with its objective of being the best written, most entertaining and best value for money of the classic women’s weekly set.’
H Bauer's Take a Break has posted an ABC of 920,060, nearly half a million copies higher than its closest rival within the true life market. Its sister title, that’s life! also enjoyed a year on year increase in share, posting an ABC of 386,875. Together, the two titles now represent almost 50% of the true life women’s weeklies sector. Publishing Director Andy Brooks said "Times remain tough, however Take a Break and that’s life! have continued to grow share as readers decide upon their preferences. We are especially pleased to see that quality editorial has triumphed over aggressive pricing strategies, with our competitors achieving only modest short-term increases when reducing prices significantly". Spirit & Destiny, H Bauer’s monthly spiritual lifestyle magazine for women posts an ABC of 61,537. Despite launches into the category, Spirit & Destiny has maintained a clear distance between itself and its competitors, outselling its closest rival by more than 4 times as many copies.
H Bauer’s TV Choice posts an ABC of 1,335,894 and once again is the UK’s best-selling magazine, proving that TV listings magazines remain key to the nation’s viewing choices. TV Choice has outperformed the listings market overall and, with newsstand sales well in excess of one million copies per week, is best placed to benefit further from a predicted increase in TV viewing this Autumn as families place greater emphasis on their favourite past-time for entertainment in these challenging times. H Bauer’s Total TV Guide has also put in a stronger than market performance with an ABC of 107,681. This title promises growth as the pace of digital switchover accelerates, with Wales having just kicked off the process, whilst viewers in the Granada region look set to switch from November 2009. Liz Watkinson, Publishing Director of H Bauer’s listings portfolio believes the growth in multi-channel homes presents the market with new opportunities “As more and more consumers become exposed to the vast array of choice that digital TV provides, there will be an increased dependence on the authoritative voice of TV listings magazines to help readers get the very best out of their TV viewing.”