The Week of January 14th in Review

Posted on January 21, 2013 Written by Leave a Comment

 

By Paul Pannone

The Battle of the Bridal Books, namely Bridal Guide versus BRIDES, made top newZ last week, leading to some strong accusations and finger-pointing on both sides. Bridal Guide accuses BRIDES of fuzzy numbers we’ve been watching since the summer along with other sources in the wedding business.

Among the sources there is none more adamant than Jim Duhe of Bridal Guide. Duhe denounced his competitors for various reasons forcing BRIDES to respond. Duhe’s verbal assault spilled over to Facebook while BRIDES took to privately contacting advertisers accusing Bridal Guide of misleading information.

The fact that BRIDES responded at all is amazing to those who worked at the Conde’ Nast publication, citing how any Conde’ Nast property feels they’re above the market and normally shrugs off any negative publicity.

 

eWedNewz continues our investigation into this story and emerging information.

eWedNewz

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2013

Filed Under: bridal, Bridal Dresses, Bridal Guide Magazine, Bridal Magazines, BRIDES Magazine, eWedNewz, eWedNewz Exclusive, General News, Invitations, Jewelry, Men's formal wear, Ongoing Story Coverage, Ongoing Story Investigation, Photography, Promotions, Publications, tuxedos, Uncategorized, Wedding Dresses, wedding industry Tagged: , , , , , , ,

The Week of January 7th in Review

Posted on January 13, 2013 Written by Leave a Comment

 

 

By Paul Pannone

A war that erupted between Bridal Guide and BRIDES became top newZ this week, as Bridal Guide called out its competitor citing several key points in magazine distribution data. In an eWedNewz exclusive the war between the two furthers an ongoing instigation on how bridal magazines and print relevance will change in the future.

A new year brings a new approach to the Wedding Water Cooler. eWedNewz continues to watch this developing story and will report the findings in the weeks ahead.

A Federal Judge empowered the efforts of the ABPIA’s efforts to combat online piracy and help American dress manufacturers level the playing field against its Chinese counterparts.

The wedding business gets use to factual information accepting how more wedding businesses find it difficult to grow in a poor economy and changing consumer views on marriage. Current poll numbers supports the statements attracting academic sources who say they agree with the findings.

 

 

eWedNewz

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2013

 

 

 

Filed Under: Anti Fairy Dust, bridal, Bridal Magazines, BRIDES Magazine, Data, eWedNewz, General News, Ongoing Story Coverage, Ongoing Story Investigation, Paul Pannone, Publications, The Week in Review, wedding industry Tagged: , ,

Brides Magazine Expected to get a boost in May after steady Downturn

Posted on April 9, 2012 Written by 3 Comments

 

By Paul Pannone

Brides Magazine gets set for a revamp in May, expected to bump business but not before facing some serious scrutiny from the industry. In February eWedNewz reported the changes and has kept close watch over the progress.

 

According to Media Life Newsstand sale of bridal magazines continue to slide.

 

Year to date, Brides total page volume is down by 148 pages. Sources familiar with the story say the next issue, May, will be healthy because of their planned redesign. But sources add the May issue won’t be be healthy enough to make up for all of the first quarter losses. Sources also pointed out the April issue had no JLM ad pages.  There also were no regional ad pages in this issue. “This is the first time that I can recall when no JLM pages appeared in Brides,”  said one source.

An ongoing eWedNewz watch shows steady loss of newsstand sale of Brides and a (nearly) equal rise in subscription sales. Onlookers say it’s amazing no one calls them out on the activity.

eWedNewz continues to watch this story closely.

eWedNewz

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2012

Filed Under: Advertising and Marketing, Anti Fairy Dust, bridal, Bridal Magazines, Data, Economic news, facts and figures, General News, Ongoing Story Coverage, Ongoing Story Investigation, The Internet, wedding industry, wedding websites Tagged: , , , , , , ,

The Price of Paper to Rise as the use of Magazines Drop

Posted on February 9, 2012 Written by 1 Comment

By Paul Pannone

As if the print business doesn’t have enough worries the very material it relies on could see an increase in cost, as closures and consolidation leaves less competition to keep prices stable.

Magazines and printed formats are already dying and face higher cost of production including Bridal. Bridal Guide is also dying but at a slower rate, according to the latest circulation numbers.

 

This week members of the Wedding Water Cooler with backgrounds in print media talked about the lower newsstand sales figures showing the drop in the overall sale of magazines. Members with backgrounds that include bridal publications say they’re watching the entire print business tanking, not just bridal publications.

According to Folio:

While the rising use of tablets and e-readers is sure to drive down the already weaning demand for print, no one is sure how fast and wide-ranging a complete digital migration will be. And even though a drop in demand might ordinarily mean a drop in price, the paper industry has become increasingly unstable, and such a fall in demand might lead to additional mill consolidation and closures, as well as greater underutilization of machines—all of which, many publishers fear, could lead to dramatic price increases and severe paper shortages.

Besides paper, ink is also a rising cost concern for the industry. While the price of ink is not as big a concern as paper prices, it also experienced large increases over the last year, say industry observers.

Members of the the WWC provided the background information and the most current ABC Circulation numbers as follows:

Bridal Guide. 96,105. Down 13.5 
Brides. 64,143 down 25.8 
Martha Stewart 171,101 down 15.7 

Source.  ABC. Audit bureau of circulations 

 

eWedNewz continues to investigate the dropping sales figures of all print materials. We welcome your thoughts and ask you take the following poll:

 

 

eWedNewz

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2012

Filed Under: General News, Ongoing Story Investigation, Publications, Uncategorized, wedding industry, Wedding Water Cooler Tagged: , , , ,

Will You Spend Your Advertising Dollars where Brides Want? (Poll)

Posted on December 7, 2011 Written by Leave a Comment

By Paul Pannone

With the end of Get Married Media approaching on December 16th ongoing discussions with wedding vendors say they will focus advertising to targeted local markets primarily online. Many said they’ve learned not to trust pretty advertising formats but instead look for return on their investment. Some told eWedNewz they may revisit some print media, if the advertiser can show legitimate distribution numbers and possibly get them to offer a free trial to track results.

 

 

Where will you advertise from now on? Brides, don’t worry, we’re listening to your thoughts as well. Feel free to contact us with any suggestions to help wedding businesses promote their goods and services where you want to see them.

Write us at Paul@ewednewz.com or call 516-312-0090 with any suggestions.

 

 

eWedNewz

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2011

Filed Under: Anti Fairy Dust, General News, Poll, Research, Uncategorized, wedding websites Tagged: , , , , , , , ,

Planners in the Wedding Water Cooler Agree; Can the Incorrigible Client

Posted on July 18, 2011 Written by 6 Comments

By Paul Pannone

Anyone that’s ever said the customer is always right never planned a wedding for some of the horrible brides we’re hearing about. For weeks discussions in the Wedding Water Cooler have heated up and are not expected to cool down until answers to some serious questions find resolve. For the purpose of discretion, we’re quoting some of the discussions without identifying the author of the quote. But, as you will see, planners incensed with brides that act less than lady-like are no longer remaining passive.

“I love the excitement and enthusiasm that comes from a edgy topic we all have been itching to discuss. On that note; has anyone ever fired a bride? Ridding yourself of a client who you knew was bad news? I know that in business they say the customers are always right but I’m sure many of us would beg to disagree- some are insane, intolerable and fit for WE TV’s zilla series,” said one new Planner member of the Cooler.

 

Hey Bridezilla Broad, take it easy or take it on the chin. Wedding planner grumblings could turn to action and you’ll have to figure out your own color scheme.

 

After much soul-searching one planner decided to can the client. “I was faced with a very hard decision to terminate a relationship with a “Whale” client, who also wielded some influence in my market niche, because of the disrespect and mania this person demonstrated from day two of our relationship— after having a great signing at the office, buying them lunch and processing their credit card for the deposit that day.

After a week of deep thought and consideration of the financial “Flying Side Kick” that the loss of their contract could mean going forward… It was well with my soul to cut that tie.  I don’t believe in burning bridges, however, I refuse to allow a dollar to compromise my integrity, mutual respect and peaceful sleep— for a paycheck.”

eWedNewz is watching better wedding industry vendors become more confident, as spending rebounds from lower 2008-2009 levels. Many weaker industry wedding services that were not able to weather the storm departed or now find themselves in a weakened state. But market leaders that had the wherewithal to rebuild their business understood they needed to create profit and no longer need to offer free services to “get my name out there”. Water Cooler planners concurring share similar stories.

Don’t feel bad, I’ve had to fire a few clients since being in business. There comes a time, when we as business people take back our sanity and sometimes it means firing a client. No amount of money is worth giving up my sanity and integrity! To quote Donald Trump…..I’ve had to say…”you’re fired” to a few wacka-doos!” said another planner.

 

Members of the Wedding Water Cooler that applied for membership or invited are among the edgiest thinkers in the wedding business. Many say they will no longer tolerate abuse from brides or anyone. All said they treat every customer with the same level of respect they’re shown. 

Thoughts?

 

 eWedNewz

All Rights Reserved

2011

Filed Under: Economic news, General News, Uncategorized, wedding industry, Wedding planners, Wedding Water Cooler Tagged: , , , , ,