The Condé Nast Worldwide News Store in London – Jean-Phillippe Defaut for the International Tribune (nytimes.com)
In a world where the the rapid pace of digital technology seems to far outshine the printed, Jonathan Newhouse, chief executive of Condé Nast International has again shined a spotlight on all that is glossy. In February of this year, the New York-based publisher, Condé Nast opened Condé Nast Worldwide News in Vogue House in London – a newsstand created to display the company’s entire international range of magazine titles and offerings along with their mobile and iPad applications and individual websites.
Condé Nast Worldwide News brings more than 130 Condé Nast magazines from 25 countries into one place for your purchasing and perusal for the very first time. As British Vogue writer Julia Neel stated, “The latest issue of Vogue? Of course. The latest issues of Spanish, Italian, French, Japanese, Greek, German, and Brazilian Vogue? Also not a problem.” With this new innovative kiosk, don’t expect newspapers, but expect to find the latest edition of most Condé Nast magazine titles from around the world.
Condé Nast Worldwide News
Visitors to the newsstand will be able to browse through digital versions of their favorite publications as well using the iPads attached to sleek plastic tables. British GQ reported, “The space- also featuring Condé Nast-branded books- has been created to display the magazines ‘like objects in a museum,’ according to designer Ab Rogers (son of the British architect Richard Rogers), with each magazine individually lit, and the combination of a luminous yellow floor, pure-white walls and mirrors creating a ‘peaceful haven.’” Magazines, exhibited like works of art? Why did it take so long for an idea like this to be realized?
“Our magazines are visually exciting products- featuring stunning works by the finest photographers- but most kiosks do not display them to full advantage,” said Newhouse. “I thought a beautiful, modern newsagent could do so and at the same time reinforce the power of the magazine brands and the wide geographic range of our offering. And, it was important to display them together with video screens, iPads and books. It was a little dream I had for a long time.”
Condé Nast International chairman Jonathan Newhouse and Vogue Italia editor Franca Sozzani at the Condé Nast Worldwide News opening (vogue.uk)
Tatler editor Kate Reardon at the opening party (vogue.uk)
The NY Times reported that “Condé Nast is again accelerating the expansion of its international magazine arm, which accounts for nearly half of the company’s revenue.” The company is selling several thousand iPad versions of Vogue and GQ each month. “If you didn’t know there was a digital revolution going on, you wouldn’t think there was anything happening with the magazines,” said Newhouse.
So, what is the future of their traditional glossy counterparts? According to Newhouse, this project and the creation of the international kiosk itself “is a way to demonstrate that magazines remain relevant and financially viable in a world where some consumers, advertisers and investors look on the print media with the disdainful eye of a Condé Nast editor discarding the outdated fashions of last season.”
British Glamour editor Jo Elvin celebrating the opening of “the most glamorous news kiosk in the world.” – vogue.uk
Harvey Nichols’ Averyl Oates at the kiosk opening. (vogue.uk)
British Vogue creative director Robin Derrick and wife Lisa Eldridge
Vogue’s Stephen Quinn with Anita Borzyszowska, Gap’s vice president of global PR and special projects.
No matter the clear uncertainty of the future of printed publications, it is a truly a dream come true to see the merging of international publications sold and displayed under the same roof. The world of glossies at your fingertips- meticulously curated and celebrated like an art gallery? This is the store the publishing world has been waiting for- a partnership between the digital and paper publications. In the case of the Condé Nast newsstand, they celebrate and complement each other and do not seemingly attempt to phase one another out. “I believe strongly in the future of print as well as digital,” Newhouse said, “Not out of emotional attachment- it’s good business. The numbers support us.” Cheers to that! I can’t wait to visit on my next trip to London.
Visit the Condé Nast International Worldwide News store at 20 St George Street, London
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Cited: text & images:
1.) Pfanner, Eric. “Condé Nast Newsstand Tries Convergence of Technologies.” New York Times (13 Feb. 2011. 4 Apr. 2011) http://www.nytimes.com/2011/02/14/technology/14conde.html (1.)
2.) Neel, Julia. “Condé Nast Worldwide News.” Vogue UK 2011. 5 Apr. 2011 http://www.vogue.co.uk/celebrity-photos/110221-conde-nast-worldwide-news.aspx
3.) Chui, Delphine. “Condé Nast Worldwide News.” British GQ 2011. 5 Apr. 2011 http://www.gq-magazine.co.uk/entertainment/articles/2011-02/22/gq-editors-pick-cond%C3%A9-nast-worldwide-news-opening-party
