Meredith Corp. confirmed today that one of its integrated marketing publications, Figure magazine, will cease publication after its March/April issue.

“Despite much effort, analysis and momentum in the past couple of years, the impact of today’s economic climate makes it impossible for us to sustain the attention required for long-term growth and viability of the magazine,” Figure magazine owner Charming Shoppes Inc., a specialty apparel retailer, wrote in a letter to advertisers last week.

Meredith spokesman Art Slusark said Charming Shoppes, based in Bensalem, Pa., made the decision to cancel the publication and end its contract with Meredith, resulting in three layoffs in Des Moines and one in the New York office.

“Figure itself seemed to be doing very well; it was accepted by the readership,” Slusark said. “But custom publishing business is the type of business where you have things start up and have things shut down. It’s not something you can really predict all the time.”

Slusark said that the closure of the magazine will not have a material impact on Meredith’s finances.

In January, Meredith announced its plans to lay off 250 employees, close Country Home magazine and relocate the creative departments of its ReadyMade brand and Parents.com to Des Moines.

However, Slusark said the company has recently hired 30 employees to work on its custom Kraft Foods Inc. publications, which are also a part of Meredith’s integrated marketing department.