I was having a little trouble thinking of something to write for this weeks blog. I was sitting in bed thinking about what to write when I then remembered talking to my sister about the recession awhile back. From what I recall, we were talking about what products or industries decreased in sales and which stayed the same or actually increased in sales. I remember the one of the items she said was cosmetic products. I definitely thought the sales in the cosmetics department would decrease without a doubt! Well, I was wrong, they didn't hurt from the recession nearly as bad as other industries.
It's interesting to know that women, no matter how bad the circumstances are, they still want to have their beauty products to make sure that they still look their best. I found an article online by Angela at The Gainesville Sun that says women start to actually sell the products to make more money to help pay the bills. Even though they are not buying the products, they are still helping the industry because other people are buying the products, "It’s been said that when times are rough, women turn to makeup. But now, it’s to sell it." (Angela). The amount of orders in Gainesville had recently seen a drop but since women are starting to get in the business of selling the products to make some extra money on the side, the sales are back up.
I guess my overall point would be that no matter what, as I stated before, that women (or men) will always buy what they need to look presentable. One of my opinions is that during a recession a lot of people get laid off which will then put them in a position to where they have more time go out (you need to look at least some what presentable when you go out!), but most importantly they will be lining up job interview after job interview after job interview. My mom hires people at her office and she always tells me how important it is to look your best, especially to look professional and presentable.
So technically yes, cosmetics sales may go down a small amount because one, we are in a recession and two, people probably realize that they don't need all colors of eyeshadow or all the colors that exist for lipstick (even though that would be awesome...!). In conclusion, for the most part, the cosmetic industry will not flounder because people are still going to go out with their friends, go on dates, and people are still going to be setting up interviews and other things of that kind.
Katie.
"Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight." -1 Peter 3:4
http://www.business-opportunities.biz/mlm/2009/03/05/people-turn-to-selling-cosmetics-during-recession/
Katie, this is an interesting point that you brought up, especially looking at it from a man's point of view. From my perspective, I don't think i could formulate much of an opinion on cosmetic sales during a recession. But maybe although cosmetics in general still keep up in sales, the cheaper brands are more successful than the more expensive makeups? In any case, it's an interesting topic, even though makeup is not really my thing. Good work.
ReplyDeleteThis story does not surprise me. It makes sense that women would try earning money in an area they enjoy. With Avon How many more jobs were created? Is it a siginificant amount?I would enjoy seeing some sort of chart to make up their statements.
ReplyDelete*A chart would help visually support their statement.
ReplyDeleteKatie,
ReplyDeleteIt was interesting to learn that cosmetic sales did not suffer from the recession. I'm sure that when people are trying to save money, they do not think that spending a couple bucks on make up will make a difference in their spending. They probably look at bigger items to decide how they can cut back on those. Great analysis of the problem!
Michelle
I'm taking Psychology of Women right now and our prof told us the other day that the money we spend while in college on cosmetics and conforming to the "perfect" ideal is the EQUIVALENT of our entire college tuition, and that's regardless of recession. I think the desire to be "perfect" is such a strong force.
ReplyDeleteI really like how you pointed this out. We are in recession and you would think people are saving, but they are not. Somehow everyone is still looking SO SO great. And girls are constantly shopping for more and more shoes, bags, makeup, skin treatments, tanning, waxing, nail polish, lotions, perfumes, clothes, and all of the above.
ReplyDeleteI find this article very interesting and contrary to what one would think would be happening during this recession. Just goes to show, its all about how you look.
ReplyDelete