What's Happening?
Charlotte Tilbury, a make-up brand owned by Puig, and Prada, a fragrance player licensed by L’Oréal, are revitalizing the gift with purchase (GWP) model through collaborations with Elle magazine. This marketing strategy, which involves offering free beauty products with magazine purchases, has recently gained traction with viral videos showcasing Charlotte Tilbury’s Beauty Light Wand and mini Prada Paradoxe perfumes as gifts in Elle’s UK and Greek November editions. Janet Milner-Walker, MD of beauty and wellness consultancy Bespoke Advantage, notes that while collaborations between magazines and beauty brands are not new, their resurgence is noteworthy. The publishing industry has faced challenges due to the rise of social media and digital
publishing, leading to a decline in print readership. However, the success of these GWP initiatives suggests a renewed consumer interest in print media.
Why It's Important?
The revival of the GWP model by Charlotte Tilbury and Prada highlights a potential shift in consumer behavior and media consumption. As digital platforms increasingly dominate, print media has struggled to maintain its audience. This initiative could signal a new strategy for print publications to regain relevance and attract readers. For beauty brands, leveraging print media through GWP offers a unique opportunity to engage consumers directly and enhance brand visibility. The success of these collaborations may encourage other brands to explore similar partnerships, potentially revitalizing the print industry and offering new marketing avenues in a digital-centric world.
What's Next?
If the GWP model continues to gain popularity, it could lead to more collaborations between beauty brands and print media, potentially reversing the decline in print readership. This trend might prompt other industries to explore similar strategies to engage consumers. Additionally, the success of these initiatives could inspire print publications to innovate further, integrating digital elements to complement traditional media. Stakeholders in the beauty and publishing industries will likely monitor consumer responses closely to adapt their strategies accordingly.
Beyond the Headlines
The resurgence of the GWP model raises questions about the evolving relationship between print and digital media. As consumers increasingly seek personalized and tangible experiences, print media could leverage this trend to differentiate itself from digital platforms. This development also underscores the importance of strategic partnerships in navigating industry challenges. The collaboration between beauty brands and print media exemplifies how traditional industries can adapt to changing consumer preferences, potentially leading to broader shifts in marketing and media strategies.












