ComicsPRO.org

ComicsPRO is the only trade organization dedicated to the progress of direct market comic book retailers.

Monday, October 22, 2007

ComicsPRO Applauds Improved Wizard Incentive Options

October 20, 2007
For Immediate Release

Contact: Joe Field
Joe@flyingcolorscomics.com
Chris Powell
genmgr@lonestarcomics.com


ComicsPRO Consultation Leads to Improved Wizard Incentive Options
Lobbying Effort from Retailer Group Benefits All Comic Book Retailers

ComicsPRO is pleased to announce that in response to feedback and lobbying from our retailer members and others in the industry, Wizard Entertainment has created new sales incentives and returnability options for Wizard #195 and the 2008 Wizard Movie Spectacular edition.

In the past, in an effort to get products quickly into retailers' hands, Wizard opted to not solicit their Movie Spectaculars through Previews and instead shipped the magazine to retailers in matched order quantities from previous Wizard issues. When the second of Wizard’s unsolicited Movie Spectaculars shipped earlier this year using this method, the retailer trade organization ComicsPRO began actively working behind the scenes to find a common ground for dealing with future issues.

"The unsolicited issues of Wizard’s Movie Spectaculars caused concern among many retailers, with rippling sales effects to Wizard’s other publications," said Joe Field, president of ComicsPRO and owner of Flying Colors Comics in Concord CA. "The board of ComicsPRO worked diligently behind the scenes, providing Wizard executives with data and ideas to move forward in positive ways. We’re delighted to receive news of the retailer-friendly changes Wizard is making and we look forward to more strong sales from Wizard publications as a result of these moves."

Retailers matching 100% of their orders on Wizard #195 and 75% of their orders on the Wizard 2008 Movie Spectacular with their orders from Wizard #193 will be able to return all unsold copies. This is a modification from Wizard’s previous over-ship returns.

ComicsPRO board member Chris Powell of Lone Star Comics in Dallas TX added: "A vital part of the ComicsPRO mission is to work with our industry partners to improve our business. We're pleased Wizard Entertainment executives were open to listening to our suggestions and we look forward to even stronger sales and consumer interest for Wizard's stable of magazines."

All comic specialty retailers interested in working for a stronger direct market are encouraged to join ComicsPRO. Information and applications can be found at http://ComicsPRO.org.