Boots the Chemist is set to revive its customer magazine for a
third time after seeing pitches from five publishers. A decision will be
made by Christmas.
It is believed that Redwood Publishing and Cabal Communications are the
frontrunners, after a pitch two weeks ago also involving IPC Magazines,
Premier Magazines and one other publisher.
Boots is keen to publish a glossy magazine in the vein of Marie Claire,
emphasising a strong editorial product that also promotes Boots
brands.
The retailer stepped into customer publishing in Feb- ruary 1995 when it
contracted Redwood Publishing to produce a glossy magazine costing 95p.
However, the quarterly title was suspended in September 1995 after
selling 100,000 copies, 150,000 short of its target. The
Redwood-produced title was revived the following year but in August 1996
Boots decided once again to cease publication.
