Country Sampler magazine leaving St. Charles
Country Sampler magazine, which has had offices in St. Charles since 2010, is closing by mid-April and consolidating operations in Indiana.
While the magazine will continue to be published, an unknown number of workers will be laid off. Others, such as local writers, editors and some advertising sales people, will work remotely from their homes, said Michele Fortune, executive vice president with Annie's, a division of Berne, Indiana-based DRG, which publishes Country Sampler magazine.
She was unable to provide the number of workers affected by the move.
"We're doing this for some savings and efficiencies," Fortune said.
Country Sampler has been published for about 30 years. DRG bought the company from Indianapolis, Indiana-based Emmis Communications in 2012. The magazine features country lifestyle articles and a catalog of decorating products from artisans. The illustrated issues include room-by-room house tours, tips from decorating experts and insights into collectibles and antiques, DRG said in a release when it announced the acquisition.
DRG is a third generation family company that started in 1925. Country Sampler is under the Annie's division, which also produces various craft magazines, books, online classes and other products. The company is unrelated to Country Sampler retail stores that closed in recent years around the suburbs.
The St. Charles office building is owned by DRG and has been put up for sale, Fortune said.
Matthew O'Rourke, St. Charles' economic development manager, was unaware of the magazine's move.
"Despite the size of any company, we never like to see anyone leave St. Charles," O'Rourke said.