Compact format magazines are gaining popularity. Originally only found in children’s titles, they are popular with publishers in the hair and fashion categories. 
Small format magazines are a challenge to display in that most existing retail fixturing is designed around fill size magazines. These small titles barely peek up from the magazine pockets. Another challenge is when publishers try and try and grow beyond their own new small border. Take this issue of Glamour. It’s a compact title but demanding, this month, more space because of the giveaway included.
Anecdotal customer feedback is that the compact titles are frustrating except in the shopping guide space. Most seem to prefer the regular size titles.