For years, media brands have made an annual event out of their holiday gift guides. Now, they’re using that influence to sell stuff through dedicated online shops, retail pop-ups, exclusive products and branded merch. Take American Vogue as an example. This year, Vogue is betting readers want to buy a bit of its own brand, too. Readers can purchase, among other items, drinking mugs decorated with illustrations by artist Todd Selby. Fans of Editor-in-Chief Anna Wintour might recognise the animations from her new YouTube video series. Also for sale are baby onesies from Maisonette covered in Vogue-adjacent phrases like, “Cry, But Make It Fashion.” There’s also a Vogue-branded bright-red Shinola bicycle for $1,950. Read more…
