Bridal magazine titles increased from 69 to 135 – over 96% – from 2002 to 2007, according to The National Directory of Magazines, the 2008 version of which was released yesterday (via MediaBuyerPlanner).
During the same five-year period, Home magazines grew 57% (from 148 to 233), ethnic magazines rose 52% (from 471 to 714), regional magazines (the largest magazine category in ’07) increased 51% (from 754 to 1138), baby publications were up 44%, and celebrity publications increased 40%:
Among the major magazine categories that declined in number of titles during the same period were internal publications, down 76% (from 186 to 45), and environmental magazines, down 34% (from 252 to 166):
“Niche magazines are becoming more targeted. New bridal magazines, for example, are pitched to different areas of the country, ethnic groups, celebrities, and even to men,” said Trish Hagood, president of Oxbridge Communications, publishers of the National Directory of Magazines.
“The regional interest category of magazines continues to be popular with titles such as 210SA, Gainesville Today, At Home in Steamboat Springs and more, reflecting the continued and growing interest that readers have in their own localities.”