Macy’s, others, to give away cosmetics in settlement

[Sparkle]

Tuesday, January 13, 2009, 12:03pm EST
Macy’s, others, to give away cosmetics in settlement
Business Courier of Cincinnati - by Lisa Biank Fasig Courier staff reporter


Macy’s, Dillard’s and Saks Fifth Avenue, among other chains, will be giving away free cosmetics, skin care and perfumes on Jan. 20, as part of a five-year-old settlement involving price fixing on beauty products.

The giveaway stems from a February 2004 class action settlement filed on behalf of consumers who purchased cosmetics between May 1994 and July 2003, according to a the settlement’s Web site (Cosmetics Settlement - Information Website). Nordstrom, Nieman Marcus and Target also were named on the suit. The retailers have claimed no wrong doing.

As part of the settlement, $175 million in cosmetics will be given away, one per person in a first-come, first serve basis. Consumers will be able to choose one item per person until supplies last. Brands include Estée Lauder, Clinique, Lancome, Clarins, Guerlain, Givenchy, Chanel, Boucheron, Cody, Calvin Klein, L’Oréal and Christian Dior.

The products involve mascara, skin care, moisturizers and fragrances, said Macy’s spokeswoman Sharon Bateman. “None of the product comes from the store’s regular inventory,” she said. “I think these products were created specifically for this give away.”

The offer will last until all of the products in a particular store are distributed.

Consumers are not required to show proof of purchase at Macy’s stores, though its customers will have to sign a certification sheet acknowledging they purchased the products.

Cincinnati-based Macy’s (NYSE:M) operates about 850 locations, including 40 Bloomingdale’s stores.


Macy?s, others, to give away cosmetics in settlement - Business Courier of Cincinnati:

[shelden]

Cool! I'm going to Macy's next Tuesday!