In the enigmatic realm of home décor and gardening, one brand consistently sprinkles its magic wand over households, leaving them with a mesmerizing ambiance – Better Homes and Gardens. Are you intrigued about who’s behind this enchanting brand? Drawing back the curtain, let me reveal the mystery. Hidden in the shadows, the master puppeteer that makes it all happen is none other than the media giant, Meredith Corporation. With a wave of its wand, Meredith Corporation has seamlessly knitted practical DIY projects, transformative practices for joy, connection with house spirits, and more in an inspiring array of articles, beautifully compiled under the Better Homes and Gardens brand.
History of Better Homes and Gardens
Origins of the brand
Better Homes and Gardens, popularly known as BH&G, started as a humble homesteading publication. Its inception dates back to 1922 when it was introduced by Meredith Corporation, a U.S. media conglomerate. The brand since then has evolved to be a trusted source for fresh design ideas, practical advice, and guiding inspiration for millions of homeowners.
Timeline of major events
Over the years, Better Homes and Gardens has experienced numerous milestones. Some significant events include expanding its brand into a television show in 1996, launching its first website in 1997, and celebrating its 75th anniversary in 1997. The brand has also integrated innovative digital experiences, including interactive content on their website, and strategic collaborations with licensors bringing the brand into many American households.
Prominent figureheads in its history
Several notable figures have helped shape the Better Homes and Gardens brand. Chief among them is Edwin Meredith, the founder of Meredith Corporation, who initially launched Better Homes and Gardens. Other key figures include Gayle Butler, a long-serving editor-in-chief who helped modernize content, and Nancy Weber, the EVP/CMO who spearheaded the brand’s digital transformation.
Current Ownership of Better Homes and Gardens
Parent company details
Presently, Better Homes and Gardens remains a property of its original umbrella organization, the Meredith Corporation. Meredith, headquartered in Des Moines, Iowa, is a diversified media organization serving consumers and businesses nationally, with a strong focus on print and digital publishing, television broadcasting, and brand licensing.
Relevant acquisition history
Over the years, Meredith Corporation has underwent several acquisitions and mergers to diversify its holdings. However, throughout all this, the ownership of Better Homes and Gardens has remained consistent.
Succession of ownership
Despite being a major property and flagship brand of Meredith Corporation since its inception, there have been virtually no ownership changes. Its enduring place in the Meredith Corporation points to the brand’s influence, value, and indispensability.
Financial Status of the Brand
Current market value
Though the exact market value of Better Homes and Gardens isn’t open to the public, the significant influence it carries in its parent company suggests that it is certainly a high-valued asset.
Brand’s revenue report over time
Historically, Better Homes and Gardens has consistently contributed towards Meredith Corporation’s profits. Although the specifics of the brand’s revenue reports aren’t available publicly, one can judge from the company’s overall performance the vital role Better Homes and Gardens has played.
Impacts of ownership on the brand’s economic standing
Being under the umbrella of Meredith Corporation has provided Better Homes and Gardens with stability and financial backing, allowing it to maintain a strong market presence, evolve from a magazine to a multimedia platform, and withstand market fluctuations.
Role of Better Homes and Gardens in its Parent Company
Contribution to the company’s overall profit
Better Homes and Gardens has been a substantial contributor to Meredith Corporation’s overall revenue, chiefly through its print and digital editions, television programming, licensing, and e-commerce partnerships.
Its place in the company’s brand portfolio
Better Homes and Gardens holds a prime position in Meredith’s brand portfolio. Over the years, it has grown beyond a magazine to include digital platforms, television shows, books and more – all targeted towards home décor and garden enthusiasts.
How it influences the company’s overall strategy
Better Homes and Gardens’ success in engaging with a wide range of homeowners has influenced Meredith Corporation’s overall strategy. It has led to the company focusing on lifestyle content and engaging readers through multi-platform storytelling and direct-to-consumer products.
Strategic Importance of Better Homes and Gardens for its Owners
Effect on its parent company’s public image
Better Homes and Gardens enhances Meredith Corporation’s public image, showcasing the media conglomerate’s ability to establish and maintain powerhouse brands that resonate with consumers and provide value over time.
Role in expanding its parent company’s customer base
On account of its wide appeal, Better Homes and Gardens has played a pivotal role in welcoming new customers to Meredith Corporation’s family. Its engaging, practical, user-friendly content has pulled in diverse demographics of homeowners.
Influence on shareholders’ trust
Better Homes and Gardens’ enduring status and consistent performance have helped maintain and even enhance the trust of Meredith Corporation’s shareholders. Its well-regarded public image and continued relevancy underscore the company’s successful brand management.
Impact of Ownership on Content, Branding and Vision
How did the ownership changes affect the brand’s public image
Though the ownership has always been consistent, various strategic decisions made by Meredith Corporation have shaped Better Homes and Gardens’ image. From a humble homesteading magazine, it’s now seen as an authoritative voice in home and garden décor, trusted by millions.
Shifts in the brand’s content and approach following ownership change
Given there were no ownership changes, the brand has consistently offered content catered to those seeking guidance and inspiration for their homes and gardens. The brand’s approach, media, and platforms, though, have dramatically evolved to embrace digital and interactive content.
Future vision of the brand under new ownership
As a part of Meredith Corporation, the future vision for Better Homes and Gardens is to continue with its legacy of providing reliable and compelling lifestyle content across multiple platforms worldwide. The brand plans to keep innovating and adapting to the evolving consumer needs and market trends.
Successful Products and Services Under Current Ownership
Introduction of new products/services
Under Meredith Corporation, Better Homes and Gardens released a line of branded products that includes home décor, gardening tools, and more. It has also ventured into interactive website content and mobile apps.
Successful product launches and campaigns
Better Homes and Gardens has had numerous successful product launches and campaigns. Its line of branded products sold at Walmart and live TV show are some prominent examples.
Innovation in services due to change in ownership
While there hasn’t been a change in ownership, the brand has seen significant innovations under Meredith’s leadership. These include offering digital subscriptions, developing interactive tools on the website, hosting podcasts, and sponsoring public live events.
Controversies and Criticism Under Current Ownership
Negative feedback received
While it’s impossible to please everyone, Better Homes and Gardens generally draws positive consumer feedback. However, like any brand, it has faced criticism at times, primarily related to customer service issues, or specific product quality.
Public controversies involving the brand/parent company
As a brand, Better Homes and Gardens has managed to stay clear of significant public controversies, reflecting its commitment to its readers and maintaining its well-regarded public image.
The response from the company and its impact
Whenever criticisms or issues have arisen, Meredith Corporation and Better Homes and Gardens have typically been proactive in addressing them, helping to maintain them trust of their audience. Their attention to customer feedback and readiness to improve exemplifies good business stewardship.
Role of Better Homes and Gardens brand’s Influence on Other Brands
Comparing it with other brands in the same industry
Better Homes and Gardens holds a competitive edge in the industry due to its rich history, brand appeal, and dynamic multi-platform presence. Many brands in the same space look to BH&G as pioneers and trendsetters in lifestyle content creation.
How is the brand’s success influencing competitors
Better Homes and Gardens’ success has pressured competitors to innovate and diversify their offerings. Its ability to adapt, grow, and maintain relevance over the years is a template other brands strive to emulate.
Imitation or inspirations from the brand’s strategies within the industry
With Better Homes and Gardens’ success in converting from a print magazine to a comprehensive lifestyle brand, many competitors have taken inspiration and followed suit. Its moves into digital platforms, live events, and branded product licensing are now commonplace industry strategies.
Future Prospects of Better Homes and Gardens
Predicted growth under current ownership
Under Meredith Corporation’s wings, Better Homes and Gardens is predicted to see steady growth. As the company continues to adapt and address the evolving needs of its audience, the brand’s appeal will likely continue to grow.
Market trends that may influence the future of the brand
Changing consumer preferences, advances in digital technology, and the need for sustainable practices will play a role in the future direction of Better Homes and Gardens. The brand, however, has repeatedly proven its ability to adapt to such trends.
Company’s future plans with the brand
Meredith Corporation envisions a continuous expansion of the Better Homes and Gardens brand, aiming to reach more readers through new platforms, and broaden the scope of content to more markets in response to changing lifestyle trends.
