Observer Closes Madame Figaro

The recent March edition of Madame Figaro, the bi-monthly fashion magazine of the Observer was the last issue. The troubled Observer has abandoned the joint venture due to the high cost involved after just four issues.

France based Madame Figaro has been successful in its worldwide expansion plan, but has found breaking into the competitive UK women’s market more difficult. The joint venture with the Observer has proved “extremely costly”, according to a spokeswoman at the Observer; this is why they have shelved the deal, but Madame Figaro may well look for other UK based partners.

The troubled Observer has recorded a latest ABC of 461,367 for February, a decrease of 12,555 copies on last year, although this is an improvement for the troubled paper on January’s figure of over 11,000 copies.

The Daily Express meanwhile, also somewhat troubled in terms of circulation, has confirmed that as part of its ongoing revamp, the Saturday review section This Week is to become Saturday Review from this Saturday, and will become full colour.