tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23768882.post1312188014448767622..comments2024-03-28T06:17:06.977-05:00Comments on MARTHA MOMENTS: Martha Stewart Living: Year in Review, 2015ANDREW RITCHIEhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07527048900781045398noreply@blogger.comBlogger4125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23768882.post-39051573754677960232016-01-02T18:01:22.035-05:002016-01-02T18:01:22.035-05:00Kenn, I had forgotten about Lucinda's departur...Kenn, I had forgotten about Lucinda's departure! I'll put that in the body of the review. Regarding the editorial department st Meredith, I'm thinking it simply means that Meredith will be writhe checks to the current editorial team, which Martha spent years developing. It wasn't completely clear, though. So, we'll see! Thanks Kenn!ANDREW RITCHIEhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07527048900781045398noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23768882.post-32606077277547682042016-01-02T13:56:23.057-05:002016-01-02T13:56:23.057-05:00As always, Andrew, a great year in review. As news...As always, Andrew, a great year in review. As news swirled about the sale of MSLO I was taken back by the amount of negativity that came forth from supporters. I always felt the sale of MSL was inevitable at some point and given the years of losses, the timing was perfect. I do have hesitation regarding Meredith assuming editorial content of the magazines as well as the websites. I'm hoping that current editorial directors and staff will be absorbed by Meredith to continue their demonstrated great work in the years to come. With everything, I take a 'wait and see' approach. I'm hopeful. As we went through the last two quarters of this past year, I saw the Living magazine return to more of what it 'used' to be with a nice balance of content, that satisfied the foodies of the world as well as crafters, gardeners, and homemakers. I was pleased with the issues this year. <br /><br />I was sad to see Lucinda Scala Quinn depart the company. I always enjoyed her direction as editorial director of food. That being said, I have full confidence in Sarah Carey who has since taken over the reigns for that core content area. <br /><br />From a merchandising perspective, it was nice to see (if only in a single piece) the return of a variation on "Martha's Green Glass" in a cake stand available through Macy's. It should also be noted that the holiday line had a significant expansion at the Home Depot and their catalog the Home Decorators collection. I think this is a real sign of brand strength and expertise with all things holiday. <br /><br />In 2016, I'm looking forward to the return of the home office line at Staples, rebranded as "Office by Martha Stewart." I think this will likely be the only new product line introductions in the states. Sequential has already noted in their revised earnings projections, they will be focusing on international expansion of the brand. My wish for 2016? I'd like to see the Martha Pantry (or some variation thereof) return. With such a heavy focus on food, a full food line seems like a natural. <br /><br />You can be sure I'll be watching carefully as we move this year! Kennhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06299828916739335429noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23768882.post-42538306934447962052016-01-02T05:07:52.046-05:002016-01-02T05:07:52.046-05:00Happy New Year...may 2016 bring everyone health, h...Happy New Year...may 2016 bring everyone health, happiness, and the very best for all.<br />This was a great review. I tend to forget what the covers were after awhile. I have to agree that the February cover was not so good. I also get tired of food being on so many covers and when it is, it should have a classier look than some in the past. <br />Some of them look like a bunch of 2nd. graders threw food at the wall and some stuck and some didn't. And while that certainly doesn't change the actual content of the magazine, I'd like to see it done better on the cover. I enjoy every aspect of the magazine, of course, so like to see some variety on the cover. It would be more inviting. There has to be a way to incorporate other things along with the food. Chrisnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23768882.post-9018053209803943762016-01-01T21:43:51.046-05:002016-01-01T21:43:51.046-05:00I believe while most of the 2015 magazine are att...I believe while most of the 2015 magazine are attractive they are not in anyway equal to the imaginative variation of years past ( NOT all food related)<br />I will remain hopeful that the MSL magazine of past years ( food/gardening/design/decorating) will reemerge in 2016. <br />APM Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com