Martha Stewart was probably the pioneer of making a business within the lifestyle industry. Surely she was the first person to create a company that revolved around "her own habits and style of homemaking," as described by Eater.
The Wall Street Journal claims that the 73-year-old entrepreneur would possibly be selling Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia, Inc., a publicly traded company.
The report states that the "acquisitive retail-licensing company" Sequential Brands Group Inc. is the buyer in question.
While Martha Stewart has yet to comment on the rumors, expert analysts are sure that the decision would be a "smart move" for the firm. The company is holding tightly to its affiliations to help it keep afloat - like its merchandising contracts with department stores such as Macy's.
In fact, the online publication also cited that Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia greatly attributes its revenue to merchandising deals. The retailing contracts bill "for about $11 million of [the] $17 million in sales" the firm had during 2015's first quarter.
The company has been suffering for some time now - especially its publications like Martha Stewart Living, and Martha Stewart Weddings among others.
These unfortunate results come as the aftermath of Martha Stewart's five-month jail time in 2004 and economic regression in 2008. In fact, the magazines are now registered to Meredith Corp., leaving profits as little to nothing for Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia.
Although "Baking With Martha" previously received an Emmy award and "Martha Stewart's Cooking School" garnered a James Beard award just this year, Martha's empire is not what it used to be especially after the cancellation of her live talk show in 2012.
Martha Stewart currently stands as chief creative officer as well as chairman of Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia. However, it is uncertain if Stewart will still be able to hold those positions in the company once she actually sells it.
The company is currently worth $370 million, a downfall from her $2 billion valuation in 1999.
