Comments Men's Health publisher Andrew Sneddon: "It's an excellent achievement for us; especially with the high sell through percentage achieved and the fact that we're not budgeting for large circulation growth. Our strategy over the last two years has been to grow our circulation at a consistent level, offering advertisers a definite circulation every issue. It was the first time we pushed print orders so it was encouraging to see the quick take up and high sell-outs on the newsstand. Some magazines flood the market with copies and sell more, but end up having a low sell through percentage, which costs a lot of money. We'd like to think we can do both - i.e. print more with a high sell-through."
"What I'm most excited about is how our readers have taken to our new editor, Andy Ellis. Andy's only four issues old and we've had extremely positive feedback about him and the magazine. Newsstand and subscriptions are the highest they've ever been and we're set to have our biggest ever April issue of 240 pages - last year was hugely successful for us breaking circulation and ad page targets as well as winning our 5th consecutive PICA award for the "Best men's magazine" in South Africa. We also won "Best Performing International title" within the Rodale stable of magazines (out of over 150 international titles) so it's going to be hard to match last year's achievements. But if the January issue is anything to go by, then we're right on target."
Andy Ellis, editor of Men's Health continues, "The reason for our consistent success is simple: we provide men with what they want - a first class ticket to a better life. We speak to our readers as peers. We want our kind of reader to open any page and benefit from life-transforming information that is presented in a very entertaining way; in a guy way that he'll remember for the rest of his life. The mission of this magazine has evolved since its launch over seven years ago. Men's Health started out as primarily that - a health magazine for men. Recognising the outdoor nature of SA men, our editors quickly began creating a subtle balance between health and lifestyle orientated editorial. Now, in 2005 I am honoured to be charged with continuing the trend of making Men's Health the ultimate lifestyle magazine for men. If you're a guy keen on success, fitness, health and adventure; best you grab your big dreams, boardshorts, briefcase and adventure gear. We're going to take life to the max."
Based on the continuing success of leadership programmes such as Men's Health Week, Best Man and the Men's Health Look, readers can also look forward to exciting brand extensions - including a new MH Living supplement and an exclusive fashion event offering 10 South African designers an awesome opportunity to showcase their talent, whilst representing the Men's Health brand.
