Lauder Pulls Plug On Prescriptives, '80s Wonder Brand
The Estée Lauder Companies Inc. says it is calling it quits on Prescriptives, and will close wholesale distribution by the end of January. Currently sold in the U.S., Canada, the U.K., Ireland and Australia, the brand was launched in 1979, and through much of the 1980s ranked as one of the top five brands in the category, reports Women's Wear Daily
It revolutionized department-store sales with its custom-blended foundations, and taught the "Murphy Brown" generation the difference between "warm" and "cool." Calyx, its fragrance, was also a top seller. "We believe that the difficult decision relating to Prescriptives will allow us to redirect our resources to key strategic imperatives where we see the highest growth potential," the company says in its announcement.--Sarah Mahoney
health and beauty aids, retail