Final Project: Estee Lauder

Estee Lauder
(www.style.com)

Estee Lauder is a skincare company. The company sells skincare products, make-up and fragrance. "Estée Lauder founded this company in 1946 armed with four products and an unshakeable belief: that every woman can be beautiful. Today, more than 60 years later, that simple notion has literally changed the face of the beauty business." (http://www.esteelauder.com/cms/about/index.tmpl) Its founder, Estee Lauder believed beauty starts with one self. She started her business by visiting women to show them what her products did for the skin. She knew and felt that once someone tried her products that they would love it. She is famous for her quote: “Every woman can be beautiful” (http://www.elcompanies.com/Pages/Estee-Lauder.aspx) this quote is the company’s philosophy and it inspired Estee Lauder to start her own business selling beauty products.  Estee Lauder sales its products at major department stores including Macy’s, on the internet, and at its own stores including outlets, Sephora, pharmacy stores, and beauty salons and spas.

Estee Lauder is now an international company, and I believe this says a lot about their brand and the community surrounding the brand.  Their consumers believe and have believed in their products for many years.  A customer on the Estee lauder Facebook page commented, “I've been wearing it for more than half my life and I just love it. It's very "me". (Victoria Crispo https://www.facebook.com/#!/EsteeLauder?fref=ts)  Estee Lauder has a strong following and a large amount of loyal customers.  On the website, you can chat live with a representative, e-mail your concerns and issues, or you can call to talk to someone.  This makes the customer service veery unique as most companies only allow you to call during certain business hours, or e-mail your issues.  A live chat will get customers the answers and feedback that they need right away.  This tactic will keep customers very happy. "I have been using this for one year. Noticed a difference after one night. It plumps my skin, evens out discolorations, and minimizes fine lines. Leaves a glow. I went without for a week or two, and my skin was dull, and fine wrinkles were more visible. It is worth the price. A 1 oz bottle lasted me over 5 months, and I use it sometimes 2 x a day. I can go without make up, which I haven't done since I was 16!"  (http://www.esteelauder.com/product/10881/4595/Product-Catalog/Skincare/Best-Sellers/Advanced-Night-Repair/Synchronized-Recovery-Complex/index.tmpl#BVRRWidgetID)  This customer has been using Estee Lauder products for over 12 years.  She remains a loyal customer because the products she uses never dissappoint.  Not only are the products great, but the website is also user friendly and easy to navigate. 
 Over the years, Estee Lauder has acquired several brands and continues to do so.  MAC, Bobbi Brown, and La Mer, to name a few, are now under the Estee Lauder umbrella of brands.  These names are recognizable, and contribute to the exclusivity of the brand.  Skin care makes the highest percentage of sales, with make-up being the runner up.  “For fiscal 2010, EL reported net sales of $7.80 billion and net income of $478.3 million.”  (http://www.wikinvest.com/stock/Estee_Lauder_Companies_(EL)) . 

(www.evancarmichael.com )