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Attic Futura has closed Shine, its women's health and beauty

magazine, blaming disappointing sales in a crowded market.

Staff were informed that publishing had been suspended as of last Friday

and that the August issue would be the last. Attempts are being made to

find positions within Attic for the magazine's staff of 18, four of whom

work in sales.

Helen Brocklebank, ad controller for Shine and B, joined only three

months ago. Shine editor Lucy Bulmer is currently on maternity

leave.

Shine was launched in March 1999 as a hybrid health and fitness title

targeting women aged 25 to 34. However, the package didn't reach its

target audience and appealed mainly to younger women and teenagers.

At its peak, it sold 120,000 but the last ABCs revealed a 17.4 per cent

slump to 85,389. It is believed the sales slide has accelerated with the

launch of Glamour, which has acquired a significant following among

teenage girls.

Shine's June issue carried a lenticular cover - a UK first - sponsored

by Clairol.

A spokesperson denied the closure had been forced by the need to improve

the attractiveness of Attic Futura to prospective purchasers.

The company was put up for sale four months ago by Australian parent PMP

Communications and was hoping to have completed a deal by the end of

this month.

Following failed bids by BBC Worldwide and Bauer, it is believed only

two contenders remain - IPC Media and Time Inc. But the bidding has been

clouded by AOL Time Warner's approach to acquire IPC Media.

For IPC, Attic's attraction lies in its youth magazines and it is likely

IPC would have closed Shine should its bid be successful.

It is rumoured IPC is keen to combine its own youth titles - 19 and Mizz

- with Attic's in a separate division managed by Attic.