August 18, 2008
Donna Karan
Collection Unveiled
Donna Karan Cosmetics unveiled a selectively distributed, eight-scent collection last week—available in only 50 locations worldwide—at Bergdorf Goodman, the lineup’s exclusive U.S. door. The collection includes Donna Karan Signature, Chaos and Fuel for Men—three scents that had been discontinued but brought back by popular demand—as well as Black Cashmere and the four Donna Karan Essences: Lavender, Wenge, Labdanum and Jasmine.
“Bergdorf received many requests for the discontinued fragrances like Chaos,” said Veronique Gabai-Pinsky, president of the Aramis & Designer Fragrances division of The Estée Lauder Companies, which owns the Donna Karan beauty business. “We know there is a customer for these sophisticated, rich fragrances.”
The eau de parfums are priced at $85.00 for 3.4 oz. and candles in Signature, Chaos, Wenge and Lavender are $60.00 each.
For the Bergdorf Goodman debut, Donna Karan fragrance experts Catherine Barber and Annette Williams conducted personalized fragrance readings utilizing images, colors and sounds to help shoppers pick a scent.
Jim Gold, president and CEO of Bergdorf Goodman, approved. “The event reminds people about special fragrances that have launched in the past,” he said.
C.F.S.S. 2008-2009
The Fragrance Foundation has announced the start of its 2008-2009 Certification Program for Fragrance Sales Specialists, an online course designed to improve knowledge, sales techniques and personal skills at counter. Beauty experts who pass receive the designation of Certified Fragrance Sales Specialist, plus a certificate and C.F.S.S. insignia pin. Applicants can register at www.fragrance.org.
Macy’s Sales Stumble
Macy’s reported that same-store sales for the second quarter of 2008 fell 2.1% from the same quarter in 2007. Same-store sales for the first-half of 2008 also were down 2.2%. On the other hand, earnings in the second quarter increased to $0.17 per diluted share from $0.16 last year. The retailer’s net income for the first half fell to $14 million from $110 million in 2007.
“While we are never fully satisfied when sales are down, we continued to outperform most of our major competitors in same-store sales and to gain market share with a combination of differentiated merchandise, current fashion and great value,“ stated Terry Lundgren, chairman, president and CEO, Macy’s, Inc.
Bumble Meets
its B’way Match
Bumble and Bumble is coming to Broadway this summer in an exclusive partnership with the iconic musical Hair. The company will grant Hair’s costume director Michael McDonald access to all of its services and products, announced Peter Lichtenthal, president of Bumble and Bumble. The hair-care brand will also provide gift bags for the opening night party and host additional VIP events throughout the show’s run.
