Moving on up...

[ulterior epicure]

Yesterday (January 8), I received my February issues of Saveur, Food+Wine, and Bon Appetit (Gourmet has yet to show)... I've never noticed them coming out SO soon?

Is the industry moving up their issuance dates? Anyone?

[moosnsqrl]

I noticed the same thing, UE. I started reading about Valentine's Day, Chinese New Year . . . and actually had to check the calendar to see if I were even more confused than usual.

But I reasoned that they also send renewal notices about six months into a year's subscription, so I assume it's just a way to get more dollars more quickly. If they can even get a fraction of subscribers to renew two months ahead, the interest is nothing to sneeze at. With more competition for ad revenues, perhaps they're actually looking to subscribers to help turn a profit?

[SuzySushi]

It's possible that the U.S. Postal Service is to blame (or credit). . .

Magazines usually send out their subscription copies by bulk mail, often 6-8 weeks ahead of expected delivery times (which is why address changes typically take 6-8 weeks to process). If the magazines sent their February issues out on the early side expecting Christmas postal delays, and the Christmas delays didn't happen, their February issues would arrive early in readers' mailboxes.

[Gifted Gourmet]

Ditto here as well .. I had to look at the covers once again .. I know that time is fleeting but this is ridiculous! Ready for hot dogs and watermelon anyone?

[snowangel]

I recall looking for a particular issue of Gourmet (I think I was looking for a February issue in February), and when I called, they said it is their policy to remove the issues from the newstands on the 8th or 9th of the month and replace with next month's issues.

[Reefpimp]

Sports Afield, Outdoor Life, and Field&Stream also show up ridiculously early. That's OK; half the fun of a fishing/birding/hunting expedition is in the planning. Can't cook 'em if I don't shoot 'em, right?