Why are magazines so expensive?

[HygerTyger]

Magazines have become ridiculously expensive in the last couple of years. It seems quite counterintuitive as they sell so much advertising and if the magazines were cheaper then more people would buy them and therefore might buy the advertised products.

I loved the days when buying a magazine was a cheap little treat every fortnight or so. And often Grazia, Glamour etc would be sold for £1 as a 'special price', those sorts of offers you never see any more. Grazia is almost £4 now!

While I'm here, I would also like to take a moment to mourn great now-defunct magazines: Real (not Real people), Glamour, Eve, She, Bmagazine, Company, Look, Newwoman, More... there were so many I loved and enjoyed.

Anyone still buy magazines? Any old magazines you still remember fondly?

I can clearly remember an article from a few years ago, in a newspaper I think, where someone was challenged to go on holiday and see what could be acquired for the holiday by buying magazines with free gifts, whilst actually at the airport. There were sunglasses, bikini, sarong, beach bag, make up etc. This post just dredged it from the back of my brain!

This sounds like my kinda challenge... the days were when you could get yourself fully kitted out for a holiday at your local newsagents just from the magazine freebies... sarongs, t shirts, vests, bikinis, flip flops, beach bags, cute little evening clutches, makeup and spf, makeup bags, beach mats, mini toiletries, and a variey of books as your holiday reading! It was glorious

A few years back (just before Covid) Red used to have free Rodial mascaras Best one ive ever used

If you havent bought GH since the last December issue you are in for a bit of a surprise.....

https://uk.trustpilot.com/review/goodhousekeeping.com

That's terrible! Often it feels like there aren't any good magazines to read. I really enjoy the whole experience of and reading one, especially on longer journeys, it feels like a treat for an affordable price. There is a big gap in the market for decent women's magazines.

The Christmas issue of GH will be interesting this year. May be a few complaints on the MN Christmas board.