April 22, 2004
Stag & Groom, Part Two
In my wrap of my London trip, how could I have forgotten to mention my meeting with the publisher and managing director of Stag & Groom, Chris Hanage? He and I had gotten in touch not long after he left a comment on my past entry about the men's wedding magazine.
I met Chris at his office not far from the Old Street Tube stop and introduced myself to some of the S&G crew. Chris was nice enough to take time from an incredibly busy day - they were about to go to press on issue number two - to take me out for coffee. Starbucks has not stretched its tentacles into the neighborhood yet so Chris and I sat and talked at, of all places, the Manhattan Coffee Company.
In the days prior to my meeting with Chris, I had looked for a copy at a number of newsstands around the city and was unable to find one. Optimistically, I took this as a sign of Stag & Groom's success, but more practically I wondered if newsstands would even carry such a rag. Where does it get shelved? In the bridal section or with the men's lifestyle magazines?
It seems I should have been more optimistic. Stag & Groom has been a runaway hit since the magazine's release in February. Chris was astounded at the press coverage it's received and, with a fresh turnover of new grooms every season, felt confident the magazine could continue to sell copies.
Stag & Groom looks very much like other magazines targeted at men such as Esquire, Men's Health or even Maxim. Yet no scantily clad women or nearly nude celebrities grace its pages. Chris said they worked hard to find the right balance between entertaining men and keeping respect for brides and the wedding ceremony. After reading the copy Chris gave me on the plane, it seems they've succeeded.
No word on whether Stag & Groom will expand across the pond - a new name would have to be worked out for U.S. audiences - but it's not out of the question given the growing influence - not to mention purchasing power - of men in the wedding industry.
Posted by The Groom at April 22, 2004 08:05 AMGood for them for giving the brides and families some respect. That's great - I hope that they have continued success!
Posted by: Jen at April 28, 2004 01:52 PM