• by Michael Shields , December 20, 2004

Americans are much more concerned with décor, weddings, golf, and dogs than they were 10 years ago. That is, if the number of magazines catering to these subjects are any indication of changes in interest.

The number of interior design and decoration magazines grew more than any other magazine category over the last 10 years, increasing by 202 percent from 47 titles in 1994 to 142 titles in 2004, according to the newest edition of the Standard Periodical Directory released Monday by Oxbridge Communications.

Lifestyle magazines (+169 percent), wedding titles (+143 percent) and those targeting dog lovers (+136 percent) were also among the biggest gainers, as new magazines increasing catered to niche audiences.

While the "family" (+110 percent) and "golf" (+102 percent) categories also soared, "general interest" took a big hit, dropping by 74 percent from 104 titles to just 27.

The "Television & Video" category decreased by nearly half (-49 percent) as did the "Environment & Ecology" group (-46 percent).

Among the 15,000-plus magazines from the United States and Canada registered in the Standard Periodical Directory, "Religion & Theology" (583), "Travel"(541), and "Regional Interest" (528), were the largest segments.

According to Deborah Striplin, the Standard Periodical Directory's editorial director, creativity has been a key driver for new magazine launches given the tough business market over the last few years. For example, niche titles, such as Low Carb Energy have risen up in recent years as popular lifestyle trends have emerged.

Overall, the new edition of the Directory lists more than 4,207 new titles (including magazines, newsletters, periodicals, etc) and more than 38,480 updated listings, indicating an industry in constant flux.