Press releases
John Lewis launches new in-store lifestyle magazine for customers
Thursday 3 September 2009
Top editors and high profile columnists sign-up to provide 'shopping intelligence' and a quality modern read
John Lewis today launches a fresh, new customer magazine, Edition, aimed at providing customers with an insightful and entertaining read, set to create a benchmark in the industry.
Former Marie Claire editor Marie O'Riordan, who moved from the title earlier this year after seven years, joins John Lewis Edition as editor-in-chief. Marie is writing for readers who 'manage to combine seriousness with fabulousness' and holds a wealth of knowledge in lifestyle editorial; this will be clearly reflected throughout the pages of Edition.
Editor-in-chief, Marie O'Riordan comments, 'Having stepped down from Marie Claire, the thinking woman's glossy, in December last year, I was looking for a new and exciting challenge. John Lewis Edition offered this in tasking me to create a fresh, intelligent read for its customers. Being a passionate fan of John Lewis myself, I already had an affinity with the brand and relished bringing its unique DNA to life in the form of an entertaining and engaging lifestyle magazine.'
The newly launched magazine will provide customers with fashion, interiors, home technology and lifestyle content and will include many hints, tips and advice. John Lewis Edition will primarily target females aged 35-45 but will also reach out to younger and older audiences who share similar attitudes and outlooks on life, travel and shopping – including empty nesters aged 45+, affluent couples aged 25-34 and affluent men aged 35-44.
In addition to Dubliner Marie's experience, John Lewis Edition is also joined by ex Marie Claire deputy editor Vanessa Thompson, who takes up the role of editor. A host of quality, high profile contributors also join the cast, ensuring the magazine is packed full of personality. Columnists including Guardian fashion editor Jess Cartner-Morley, Esquire editor Jeremy Langmead, motoring column writer, Miranda Sawyer, as well as national columnists Zoe Williams, Fiona Gibson and Toby Young will all be sharing their intelligence, warmth and wit with Edition's readers.
Andy Street, Managing Director, John Lewis, said: 'Our investment in John Lewis Edition demonstrates our commitment to building deeper relationships with our customers. It will give us the space and flexibility to tell the John Lewis story and highlight the provenance behind our products and suppliers. The magazine will also be a great platform to ensure our Partners feel in tune with how we are developing as a brand and company.'
Paul Porral, head of creative services, John Lewis explains, 'The new magazine provides us with a great creative opportunity and the chance to move towards the master brand. It will give us the ability to have conversations with our customers that we can't have in-store or online. Edition is a great example of how we invest in, communicate with and value our customers - not only by showcasing them our latest products but also engaging with them on key topics and interests relevant to their lifestyles.'
John Lewis Edition will be produced five times a year during the Autumn, Christmas, New Year, Spring and Summer and will be published by John Brown. Greenbee.com is a key stakeholder in the new magazine and all issues will include Greenbee-related content, with the New Year issue having a particular focus on travel.
The launch issue has enjoyed great support from major brands and advertisers including Estée Lauder Companies, Parfums Christian Dior, Armani, Versace, Groupe Clarins, LK Bennet, French Connection, Tommy Hilfiger, Zegna Sport, Lacoste, Ted Baker, Fred Perry, Hackett, L'Occitane, Wonderbra, Laura Mercier.
Notes to editors
About the John Lewis Partnership
The John Lewis Partnership - The John Lewis Partnership operates 27 department stores across the UK, johnlewis.com, 214 Waitrose supermarkets and Greenbee.com, a direct services company. The business has an annual turnover of over £6.9bn. It is the UK's largest example of worker co-ownership where all 69,000 staff are Partners in the business.
John Lewis - John Lewis, 'Britain's favourite retailer 2008'* typically stocks more than 350,000 separate lines. The website stocks over 45,000 lines focused on the best of home and giftware, electrical items including online exclusives and fashion brands. johnlewis.com is consistently ranked one of the top online shopping destinations in the UK. (www.johnlewis.com)
* Verdict consumer satisfaction index, January 2009
Waitrose - Waitrose, voted 'Britain's favourite supermarket' in three independent surveys so far this year† combines the convenience of a supermarket with the expertise and service of a specialist shop. It offers fresh and frozen foods, wines and groceries as well as delicatessen, cheese, fresh fish, meat, patisserie and hot-food counters. Waitrose is dedicated to offering quality food that has been responsibly sourced combined with high standards of customer service. (www.waitrose.com)
† Which? Survey, January 2009; BBC Watchdog viewer survey, February 2009; Good Housekeeping Awards, February 2009
Greenbee.com - Greenbee.com offers a range of financial, travel and leisure services selected by the John Lewis Partnership. These include home, travel, pet, wedding and event and car insurance products, life cover and a phone and broadband package, along with travel offers and the latest theatre, event, music and sport tickets. (www.greenbee.com)
Enquiries
For more information please contact:
Heidi Jutton at redconsultancy.com:
Telephone: 0207 025 6585
Rebecca Williams at redconsultancy.com:
Telephone: 0207 025 6423
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