ECONOMIST SALES UP 6.1% IN ASIA

The Economist Asia Pacific edition has posted a 6.1 per cent increase in circulation for the six months ending December 31, 2010. The weekly magazine now boasts an independently audited circulation of an average of 143,396 copies per week (from 140,032 copies). Globally the magazine registered a 3.7 per cent increase.

Interestingly, The Economist sold less single copies of the magazine through newsagents and bookshops, averaging 22,862 copies versus 23,025 for the previous six month period. Single copy subscriptions are up - now standing at 79,508 copies from 76,955 copies.

Regular bulk copies, such as those distributed for reduced rates to airlines and hotels, are also up - now standing at 22,502 copies on average per week. The magazine recorded exactly the same percentage of actively purchased copies - a total of 71.3 per cent.

No public data is available as to whether an increase has been seen in Thailand.