What Magazine Advertising Has to Do with the Economy and Retail

Fall fashion advertising is making a heady return.  After two years of slumping ad revenues, nearly every major women’s fashion and lifestyle magazines are reporting huge increases for fall advertising.

Many are reporting double digit growth, with Vogue reporting a hefty 24% increase of the same quarter last year, W Magazine reporting a 31% increase and Glamour a 57% increase according to an article in the New York Times.

So what does that mean for retail?

THE REAL WORLD RETAILING TAKEAWAY

Double dip economic fears aside, many indicators are pointing in the right direction.

The increase in ad spending signifies a continued confidence in the consumer marketplace by fashion and lifestyle manufacturers. And that bodes well for retailers who sell those goods as well.

These types of gains in advertising haven’t been seen since 2007 according to the article.

Only time will tell if the increases in advertising correlate with an increase in consumer spending at retail.  But take heart, it’s another sign that things may be moving along the right track.

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