Which? proves its value as sales grow

10 August 2009

Despite difficult economic conditions, Which? has announced that paid-for subscriptions to its magazines, website and legal advice service have increased for the fourth year in a row.

In the year to 30 June 2009, the consumer champion grew total subscriptions by around 27,000 (2.5 per cent), to more than 1.1 million subscriptions.

As well as increased sales of the flagship Which? magazine and Which? Computing, its website which.co.uk enjoyed significant (11%) growth and now has more than 216,000 members who pay to access ‘premium’ content, such as in-depth product reviews.

Which? Legal Service, the organisation’s legal telephone advice line, also experienced double-digit (10%) growth. The service offers subscribers unlimited consumer and employment advice from qualified lawyers.

Which? is completely independent and carries no advertising, but this makes it less profitable to sell its magazines on the newsstand. Until recently all Which?'s magazines were only available on subscription, but last summer it struck an exclusive deal to sell selected titles in Sainsbury’s and has since sold more than 70,000 copies of Which? Car and around 13,000 copies of Which? Money through its stores.

This year Which? has also launched its first iPhone applications, to enable people to access independent advice on the best products while they’re out shopping.

Chris Gardener, Commercial Director at Which?, says:

“Which? has been helping people to make smarter choices for more than 50 years, by giving expert advice and recommending products and services that stand up to the most rigorous testing around. Times have changed, but people still want to know they’re getting value for money, perhaps now more than ever.

“By subscribing to Which?, people get the advice they need and help us to continue our research and our campaigning on issues that matter to all consumers, from bank charges to energy bills, food labelling to dentists.”

- Ends -

Notes to Editor

For further information or an interview with a spokesperson, please contact Nicola Frame.

Which? is the leading independent consumer champion in the UK. We provide impartial, expert information on products and services in our magazines, books and online to help consumers make more informed choices, and we campaign on issues that matter to all consumers, from food to finances, health to estate agents. For more information visit www.which.co.uk

People can subscribe to Which? by calling 01992 822800 or at www.which.co.uk