Co-op cuts customer magazine

The Co-operative Group is to stop publishing its bi-annual customer magazine in favour of digital communication channels.

The Co-op

The Co-op says it hopes to expand and diversify communications with members through its online podcast and online content.

Terry Hudghton, head of brand at the Co-operative, says: “It is imperative that we communicate with all these members frequently and in a relevant and entertaining manner. We are now investigating ways in which we can make it available to many more people on a regular basis.”

The retailer’s in-house magazine was published by River Publishing, a specialist in customer magazines.

Meanwhile, the Co-op has appointed River to publish its travel magazine, Sailaway, which was previously published in-house.

The magazine focuses on cruise holidays and will be sent to customers who have booked a cruise holiday with the Co-operative Travel, three times a year.

The first edition of the new look magazine will be available in January 2010.

The title will sit alongside the Co-operative traveller magazine, also published by River.