Lipstick and the economy
This article was originally published in The Rose Sheet
Executive Summary
Strong lipstick sales could correlate with dragging economy, Estee Lauder says, citing firm's "Lauder Leading Lipstick Index" as barometer for gauging nation's spending patterns. Estee Lauder holiday lipstick gift packs are selling five times last year's rate, while MAC lipstick sales for the last three weeks in November are up 12% versus same-store sales, Lauder notes. Bobbi Brown reports 14% increase in glossy lip products and Origins is up 24% for the period between Sept. 22 and Nov. 17, company adds. Pattern mirrors that during past recessions such as in 1990 when lipstick sales similarly climbed, Lauder says. Statements garnered widespread attention during the week of Nov. 26 from the lay press, including The Wall Street Journal and NBC's "Today" show...