Tuis makes itself at home

"We conservatively hoped for a sell-through of at least 35 000 for the launch issue, but the actual sales figures of the first issue blew us away," says Anneke Blaise, associate editor of Tuis. "Since the launch issue, we have been inundated with calls and letters from readers, complimenting us on our first issue, as well as from various store owners who want to stock the magazine because of public demand - and we love every minute of it. It shows that we are giving readers what they want, in their own language."

Blaise says that sales of DIY goods to women are one of the fastest growing retail sectors in Australia. "South African woman are not far behind. More and more women own tool kits and are not afraid of getting their hands dirty. Some, as a result of late marriages, divorces or single parenthood, can't afford to hire a plumber, electrician or handyman. With Tuis's practical and accessible slant towards décor, gardening and DIY, we will attract not only these women but also a lot of male readers."

The August issue of Tuis focuses on the kitchen, how to build a garden for contemplation, the art of bonsai and slow food.