Luxury SpaFinder Closes Print Magazine
Monday March 31, 2008
Luxury SpaFinder is getting out of the magazine business just as major publisher Conde Nast is getting into it with Allure Spa. Luxury SpaFinder ceases publication with the May/June issue issue, morphing into a monthly "web magazine" called Luxury SpaFinder Interactive published in English, French, German, Italian, Spanish and Japanese. The company is positioning it as a "green initiative" that will expand the magazine's "global circulation," but it's very hard to make money with magazines because of the high cost of production, printing and distribution. Conde Nast has economies of scale because it owns some of the most famous names in the magazine world, including Vogue and Glamour. Of course, you'll still be able to buy SpaFinder gift certificates online and read their content online. But I'll miss editor-in-chief Gary Walther's fabulous, funny spa-writing -- one of the best voices in the business. He has moved on to ForbesLife. Melissa Gelula, spa beauty editor, becomes editor-in-chief of the web version.
Comments
This is a tremendous loss to the industry. Spa Finder was the first authoritative voice of the spa industry for the spa traveler/consumer. Having been an avid fan of this publication since it’s formation in the 1980s, long before the thing called the “internet”, aficionados always kept their latest issue/directory at-hand, pursuing the pages and dreaming of better days ahead for rest and relaxation. This was also back in the day where the concept of a day spa wasn’t even in the vocabulary of the spa savvy. My best wishes to Susie Ellis, Gary Walther, and all who made Spa Finder Magazine the exemplary and definitive voice in the industry. I will sorely miss this publication!
Terry Herman
Freelance Writer, Consultant & Speaker
April 1, 2008
Hi Terry,
Thank you for your kind remarks about Luxury SpaFinder. Gary did an outstanding job with the magazine and it really did have the authoritative voice needed for our industry. As much as I too will miss having it with me to read on an airplane, at the same time I am excited about the new online format which will reach more people all over the world - and in more languages. And there will be some exciting features which will make the experience even better.
The good news is that the Global SpaFinder Directory will still be published so you will always have that as a reference (and I can read it on the plane!)
There is one more terrific issue of Luxury SpaFinder Magazine coming out - the May/June issue - so do enjoy that one. And then, like so many things spas teach us, it is time to move onward into the next season.
With appreciation for your support,
Susie
However, this is better for our planet. At the same time, I noticed an alternative place called spadirectory.com and I wonder if that is Conde Nast’s foray into the internet for a spa directory? I will keep my eyes open as it seemed in development.
Ann
I’m so sad about Spa Finder! I LOVE that magazine and take it on the plane with me, too.
Thanks, Susie, for creating such a wonderful magazine for all of us.
SpaDirectory.com looks a little cumbersome to me… I don’t think Allure did that, do? It doesn’t seem to work very well.
I found www.TheSpaProject.com this morning. Very cute site! It must be new because there’s a beta sign on it, but it seems to be super cool and interactive. I think it’s a social spa networking site and there’s already some buzz and activity (some brutally honest reviews!)
Ooh, a time of many changes. Some great, some not so. I was just leafing through the latest issue of Luxury SpaFinder this evening - this will be such a loss. A greener approach will be a great contribution on many levels. I will look forward to their online version. While gaining information on spas is very important, so is understanding the product lines they carry. Our blog is a small contribution to that end. Hurray for everyone trying to promote Spas!
www.beautyeditorpost.blogspot.com
I should have guessed that something was going on with SpaFinder publications. I paid a one year subscription in May 2007, received one issue, and nothing ever again! Too bad, I loved the magazine, and hope another one comes out that’s just as good.