Marie Claire Hopes Timberlake Will Boost Circulation

IPC’s flagship women’s glossy, Marie Claire is to feature its second male cover star, with a bare-chested Justin Timberlake set to appear on the front of its May edition in a bid to boost sales.

The decision to showcase the US pop singer follows the huge success of the June 2002 issue, which featured David Beckham. IPC had to increase the print run on that occasion because of the increased demand from retailers (see Cover-Man Beckham Ups Demand For Marie Claire).

Marie O’Riordan, editor of Marie Claire, commented: “When it came to putting a man on the cover this year there was only one candidate, Justin Timberlake. The whole world has gone Justin crazy. For us he’s got the three S’s, southern charm, a sexy six pack and best of all he’s single. What’s not to like?”

In support of the cover, AOL is running a poll on its women’s channel asking AOL members to comment on Justin’s personality and dance moves, and to find out if he is more sexy than David Beckham. This is Marie Claire’s first tie-up with parent company AOL.

Marie Claire recorded a solid set of ABC results in the July to December 2002 period, despite the continued success of handbag-sized rival, Glamour. The veteran glossy recorded a 4.7% rise in circulation, which was up to 400,038 from 382,094 in the same period in 2001.

Earlier last week IPC announced that Sylvia Auton, managing director of its Country & Leisure Media Group, is to replace Sly Bailey as chief executive (see IPC Media Appoints Sylvia Auton As New Chief Executive).

IPC Media: 0870 4445000 www.ipc.co.uk

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