CHEERS has been published for just on a decade. 10 years of creating a title that is the leading all-liquor lifestyle content vehicle in the Republic. As a result of the global pandemic and subsequent Government mandatory liquor store closures and sales ban, CHEERS went from a 35000 and growing print base that was distributed nationwide via the TOPS at SPAR network and that was well received by outlets, industry and readers alike, to a digital only publication with a significantly reduced database. CHEERS became another victim of Covid.

2 years later and after taking the title completely digital, and with minimal support from TOPS at SPAR with regards to marketing/distributing the title, we have soldiered on with the looming closure of the title hanging over us. This has not been an easy time for all of us. However, with the opening of stores and the relaxing of government restrictions, the country has gradually been getting back onto its feet. Sales are up and if TOPS at SPAR’s results are anything to go on, things are on track to a well-received recovery. I would like to suggest that from the darkest time of the pandemic to now that there is potentially a more bullish outlook and that it may be an opportune time to reconsider CHEERS Digital Magazine and how it can fit into the post pandemic structure.

In our “notice” contract and as suggested by TOPS at SPAR it reads: Both parties can enter into further negotiations for renewal at any time…. We would like to enter into this discussion around not only a “renewal” but a new model, price structure, frequency and size of magazine. Based on our long relationship and the value that we can bring to the segment of the TOPS at SPAR defined target market – as identified and specified by TOPS at SPAR – we would like to present a proposal that would be financially more enticing to TOPS at SPAR as well as offering an adapted publication that will talk to the identified market. It has also become apparent that people are generally more comfortable with digital interaction – from online ordering to content consumption.

I do hope that CHEERS and the Integrated Media team, who are fully vaccinated, boosted, energized and continue to be dedicated to CHEERS and TOPS at SPAR, will be given a well considered opportunity.