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Press Office - Press Releases
MARIE CLAIRE PUBLISHES FIRST ECO CHIC ISSUE
April 29, 2008
Women in their 30s are a powerful group when it comes to ethical consumer spending, according to research from IPC Southbank's Marie Claire, which is publishing its first 'eco chic' issue on 1 May.
The Marie Claire survey of over 2,900 women aged 20-49 – with a concentration of those in their 30s - gives a revealing insight to the views and consumer choices of the UK's 30-something woman. Key findings include:
• Eighty per cent are prepared to spend more on designer fashion items, beauty products and luxury goods, if they know they are ethically sourced. The idea being that they buy less quantity but more quality goods. The trend is an extension from the purchase of everyday eco products to the more luxury end of women's spending habits.
• They demand more now from the brands they buy – with 70 per cent of women stating that ethically sourced or fair trade products are a factor when purchasing. Nearly 60 per cent of women said that their fair trade spending has increased significantly within the last year.
• These women feel it is cool to care about their environment. Eighty-nine per cent recycle, 81 per cent say they now use less energy, 40 per cent use the car less frequently and 75 per cent refuse plastic bags. Eighty-four per cent also said that M&S are right to charge for plastic bags.
• They want companies to become clearer about their ethical stance – with 82 per cent saying they would choose those companies over others if they knew they were carbon neutral or aiming to be more ethically minded.
• The women surveyed were split 50:50 with their partner when it came to being the chief income earner. But importantly over half of the women surveyed were the major decision makers when it came to spending in the household.
The June eco chic issue of Marie Claire supports the magazine's 'Fashion with Heart' ethos, demonstrating it's cool to care. The eco issue will be wrapped in distinctive brown bag packaging and will have a body butter gift from The Body Shop, while every section of the magazine receiving the eco glam treatment.
Editorial highlights include stylish ethical buys in The Shops; cover girl Cate Blanchett talking about her involvement with charity Solar Aid; Joaquin Phoenix reporting from the Amazon; and Marie Claire's cool but caring list as well as the regular Eco News page.
Publishing director Richard Johnstone says: “Marie Claire is the media destination of choice for the stylish affluent women that recognise that their lifestyle choices make a difference. Therefore it comes as no surprise that our readers are at the forefront of the growing trend for more conscientious consumerism. The eco chic edition of Marie Claire will be a must-have issue.”
Editor Marie O'Riordan adds: “Our survey shows that women now combine ethics with aesthetics when they shop. Even in the current financial climate women are making informed choices, spending on fair trade or giving to charity in order to make a difference.”
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For further information, contact Victoria Higham, IPC Media senior press officer
Tel: 020 3148 5401 or email victoria_higham@ipcmedia.com
For high-res cover images go to www.ipcmedia.com/press/imagebank.php
