IPC Closes Family Circle

IPC Southbank is to close its Family Circle magazine, with its December 2006 issue being the last to hit the shelves.

The magazine is closing, after more than 40 years, because of declining circulation. IPC acquired Family Circle from International Thompson Publishing in 1988 when the magazine had a circulation of 625,000. That figure has now dropped to 112,597.

Jackie Newcombe, IPC SouthBank managing director, said: “Family Circle in its heyday was one of Britain’s biggest selling monthlies but sales have been in decline for some time. Despite numerous attempts to reinvigorate the title, the time has come for us to accept the market has moved on.

“Rather than continue to invest in this title, it is with much regret that we have to conclude that Family Circle’s future is untenable.”

IPC have said that it is currently in consultation with those affected by the closure and every effort will be made to find them alternative jobs.

The December issue will be on sale from November 9.

IPC Media: 0870 4445000 www.ipcmedia.com