Schnucks Capitalizes on Need for Healthy Information

Mar 6, 2007 3:00 AM

ORLANDO, Fla. -- A growing health and wellness trend is expected to be a promising driver for the growth of magazine and book sales in the next year, according to David McConnell, president and chief executive officer, GMDC, Colorado Springs. Schnuck Markets, St. Louis, is one example of a retailer taking advantage of this trend, said McConnell who was presenting at the Marketing of Magazines and Books: Retail Conference 2007, co-hosted by the Magazine Publishers of America and the International Periodical Distributors Association, both based in New York, here yesterday. “[Schnucks] went out with an aggressive healthy heart plan with point-of-purchase signage all over the store connecting healthy heart opportunities,” McConnell said. “This is a huge home run because consumers are looking for that guidance.” There is a convergence of needs now, with 78 million aging Baby Boomers along with 46 million Americans lacking health coverage, he said. Consumers are looking for health information to help them take care of themselves and their families, he said. -- Wendy Toth