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March 31, 2005
LENNY KRAVITZ and JOICO Share the bill
Lucky concert-goers leave VIP concert with lots of free I-C-E and K-Pak
Rocker Lenny Kravitz is nearly as well-known for his adventurous hairstyles as he is for his music. So partnering with Joico at an exclusive concert for KMXV radio station listeners in Kansas City, MO, recently, was a match made in hair heaven.
The radio station gave away tickets for Kravitz’s performance by setting off the “Lenny sounder” which cued listeners to phone in during the promotional period.
Kravitz performed at Raoul’s Velvet Room, a popular Kansas City club. There, Joico gave away goody bags to each winning concert-goer, stuffed with popular Joico and
K-Pak products.
The lucky KMXV winners were treated to some of Kravitz’s greatest hits, including “Let Love Rule,” “Can't Get You off My Mind,” “Believe” and “Lady.” Then they were treated to great cleansing, conditioning and styling products from Joico, including K-Pak Shampoo and Daily Conditioner, Deep Penetrating Reconstructor and Smoothing Balm, and Joico I.C.E. Whip and Spray Glacé.
Posted by at 06:10 PM | TrackBack
Bond No. 9 is anything but Bleak (ref. Bleeck)
Mover over Creed Fragrances, the growth of Bond No. 9 is starting to quaff Manhattan by storm with the announcement of its 4th store. Bond No. 9 in June will debut its West Village store at 399 Bleecker Street. Later this summer early fall expect to see a fragrance called Bleecker to match.
The store in size is reported to be at max around 500 square ft next to the Magnolia Bakery View image. Industry experts project the store to do $1 million retail in sales.
My personal favorite fragrance from Bond No. 9 is Wall Street, check it out at the Cosbar.
Posted by Steve Hultgren at 05:51 PM | TrackBack
Tony & Tina Cosmetics Gossip
Industry sources report over at Tony + Tina Cosmetics the company is soon closing after 7 years of existence. Tony + Tina who gained major notoriety during their launch for face glitter has been restructured globally time and time again.
Today their focus on the twenty something crowd with $6 million in annual revenues. Tony + Tina are carried in select Nordstrom’s, Macy’s and Sephora stores.
Tony & Tina reported to Fortune Magazine three months ago that they wanted to grow the teen market. Their tactic was to select 50 popular high school girls, who each interact with at least 100 kids a day, to wear and talk about their makeup. One month later the traffic on http://www.tonytina.com/home.php increased by 25%. The colors the teens wore became Tony + Tina's top seller.
If this industry gossip glitters out to be true, it’s safe to assume that their influential outreach to those 50 girls should have been explored into all cities and not just Manhattan.
Posted by at 03:33 PM | TrackBack
Industry Dirt
Rumor has it over at Martha Stewart Living http://www.marthastewart.com that Eric Pike is in line for Editor In Chief. Martha Stewart has a readership of over 1.9 million. Eric is the Holiday Editorial Director and Executive Creative Director. He was previously the Creative Director for the magazine and was also the Creative Director for Martha Stewart Living: Quiet Time, a collection of songs.
Posted by at 03:17 PM | TrackBack
March 30, 2005
StriVectin is not good for cellulite, but CelluliteRX will fix your cellulite problems.
Is CelluliteRX better than StriVectin for stretch marks and body imperfections? Our studies and panelists say YES.
A leader in cosmeceutical skin care products, Institut' DERMed introduces the most scientifically advanced, clinically active cellulite treatment products in the world, CelluliteRx. Using a patented time-released liposome delivery system, called QuSome, for increased penetration of the skin into targeted cellulite zones, CelluliteRx products work at a cellular level addressing the multiple causes of cellulite. The three-step system helps to normalize hormones, increase circulation, reduce inflammation and stimulate fat metabolism to create a firmer, more youthful appearance to the skin.
CelluliteRx products are the first and only products in the world formulated with USP natural progesterone to counter the weight gaining and collagen destroying effects of unopposed estrogen, the leading cause of cellulite in women. The science behind CelluliteRx is based on a woman's biology, addressing the causes of why women, unlike men, develop cellulite. During an eight week clinical study using female subjects ranging in age from 30 to 53, 100 percent of subjects reduced the appearance of cellulite by 50-80 percent and 90 percent of subjects lost one half to two inches in their thighs, buttocks and/or abdomen when using the CelluliteRx products. These results can undoubtedly be attributed to the combination of natural micronutrient ingredients that have never before been formulated in cellulite creams, the tri-plex system that addresses cellulite in each layer of the skin and the QuSome delivery system.
One of the factors that make CelluliteRx products so effective is the QuSome delivery system, the most advanced patented, time-released liposome delivery system available on the market. QuSome actually encapsulates the active ingredients and delivers them to targeted areas of the cellulite in the subcutaneous fat layers of the skin. This form of delivery and preservation sustains the active ingredients inside fat cells for longer periods of time to fight cellulite all day.
LipoSmooth Body Polish - Exfoliates surface skin cells to promote new cellular growth and soften skin (works within the epidermis). Apply and rub on wet skin while bathing to exfoliate surface skin and to prepare the skin for maximum absorption of Contour Cream.
LipoTherm Contour Cream -Normailzes hormones, increases circulation and cellular metabolism while eliminating inflammation and toxic cellular wastes (works within the hypodermis). Dry off and apply a generous amount and massage to each area where contouring is desired. It is normal to experience an immediate rosy flush after application, indicating increased circulation.
LipoLift Firming Cream - Promotes collagen production to strengthen, thicken and tighten skin (works within the dermis). Apply a generous amount and massage where firming is desired.
Ingredients: USP Natural Progesterone Balances hormones to curb weight gain Niacin Increases circulation Alpha Lipoic Acid, Essential Fatty Acids Reduces inflammation & strengthens (Omega 3 & 6) cellular plasma membranes Gurana Seed Extract Stimulates lyposis or cellular fat burning Caffeine, Acetyl Carnitine Glycolic Acid Accelerates skin renewal and builds collagen, creating firmer, younger skin.
Retail Price: $150 for CelluliteRx tri-plex sysytem
CelluliteRx is a division of Institut' DERMed. Products will be available in retail outlets beginning in Summer 2005.
Posted by at 06:27 PM | TrackBack
Wal-Mart Wants to be Asian, not Mid-Western. New TV commercials set to run on April fools day. It�s no joke!
Wal-Mart in an effort to seem diverse and appeal to the majority of the minority will soon launch an ad campaign geared toward the Asian community. Anyone who watched CNBC ever so fierce documentary; The Age of Wal-Mart noticed that sushi selling in mainland China is sure to make their stocks increase. Wal-Mart is now the great fish produce supplier of Asia.
Wal-Mart will include first-hand testimonials from Asian-American families who have made Wal-Mart their retailer of choice. All Asian languages including Cantonese, Mandarin, Vietnamese and English were used and translated with the assistance of IW Group, a leading Asian-American advertising and marketing company based in Los Angeles. Stay tuned if you live in Los Angeles, Houston, San Diego, San Francisco and San Jose on April 1st.
What's next? Gay couples shopping in the hardware department. Look out Ikea, Wal-Mart is now the trend setter.
Posted by at 05:51 PM | TrackBack
Saks Fifth Avenue Breaks up
Who will swoop in and save the day? Will it be: Dillard’s, Bon Ton, J.C. Penny’s, Belks... the list goes on and on.
Saks is looking to give up for adoption its spin off stores; McRae’s, Proffitt’s, Parisian, Carson Pirie Scott, Younkers, Herberger’s, Bergner’s and the Boston Store. Rumor has it that the new young Belk boys of Mr. Belk are to the rescue. The young Belks emerged into the Belk company on March 2004 to run the company. The team includes Tim Belk Jr., chairman and chief executive officer; John Belk, co-president and chief operating officer, and McKay Belk, co-president and chief merchandising officer. They are hip, hot and ready to get the Belk brand up and running!
Occupying over 220 stores, Belk is the largest privately owned department store in the USA and sales for 2004 were over 2billion, that’s one third the size of Saks.
Two private equity firms; Blackstone Group and Apollo Advisors are also looking at their wallets to see if they can flip the bill. Both firms are also interested in the Neiman Marcus Group who has had a flashing FOR SALE sign on their front lawn. (vegas style)
Saks Inc. is a $6.4 billion company, with $3.7 billion generated by its department stores and about $2.7 billion by its Saks Fifth Avenue Enterprises division. Does that include the back charges to vendors that they are already on the red line for this year? Please see our blog posting for - Saks Scandal of Chargeback’s goes bad! "Like over 20million dollars worth!"
This clean up of the Saks company could make stock higher, less debt and give Saks an opportunity to go back into prestige retail and let go of all medium range retail branding.
Posted by at 05:21 PM | TrackBack
Fashion Falic: LVMH Sells Christian Lacroix
LVMH Moet Hennessy Louis Vuitton sold Christian Lacroix to the American luxury duty-free retail group owned by the Falic family.
Posted by at 04:27 PM | TrackBack
Celebrity Scoop & Fashion PR
Britney supports Pro-Activ
Britney Spears is to appear in a new television commercial, campaigning for the anti-acne cream Proactive Solution. The ad film shows Britney being interviewed by Vanessa Williams, a ProActive solutions spokesperson, who also talks to such stars as Jessica Simpson, Alicia Keys and P.Diddy about the problems they have had with acne.
That’s Hot with Paris Hilton
Paris Hilton has attempted to trade mark the phrase “that’s hot” to see this online go to: http://tarr.uspto.gov/servlet/tarr?regser=serial&entry=76604206&action=Request+Status
Are you fat too?
Kirstie Alley looses over 20lbs on the new Jenny Craig program, asks viewers if they are fat too and that they should call 1-800-597-JENNY. Kirstie’s show launched on Showtime this month to mixed reviews. Kristie who keeps her own blog online at Jenny Craig’s website will be keeping score of her progress online. http://www.jennycraig.com/kirstie/
Posted by at 04:25 PM | TrackBack
What Magazine Editors Want from The PR Firm Right Now: April 1 05
Publication Beauty Editors- With a combined circulation of more then 60 million, consumer magazine beauty editors can make or break a product. Here, the lowdown for today:
LATINA MAGAZINE
Samantha is looking for healthy hair treatments for their June issue…Deep conditioning treatments, repairing treatments, etc. Samantha is also working on a healthy skin story for their June issue. They are targeting certain skin problems, and she will check with Yesina to let us know what they are looking for specifically.
VANITY FAIR
Alexa is still seeking Tanning products for the “May/June” issue
TEEN VOGUE
For the July Issue, Holly is seeking Tanning products and items for the 10 Most Wanted…they must be “NEW and COOL” The lead beauty story has yet to be determined
FITNESS
Nicole is looking for products for the July story “Love your body bare”. Toners, Body bronzers, cellulite treatments, manicure products, pedicure products, etc. Nicole is also looking for anti-aging products for the same issue and Bronze and Gold Makeup.
Occupying over 220 stores, Belk is the largest privately owned department store in the USA and sales for 2004 were over 2billion, that’s one third the size of Saks.
Two private equity firms; Blackstone Group and Apollo Advisors are also looking at their wallets to see if they can flip the bill. Both firms are also interested in the Neiman Marcus Group who has had a flashing FOR SALE sign on their front lawn. (vegas style)
Saks Inc. is a $6.4 billion company, with $3.7 billion generated by its department stores and about $2.7 billion by its Saks Fifth Avenue Enterprises division. Does that include the back charges to vendors that they are already on the red line for this year? Please see our blog posting for - Saks Scandal of Chargeback’s goes bad! "Like over 20million dollars worth!"
This clean up of the Saks company could make stock higher, less debt and give Saks an opportunity to go back into prestige retail and let go of all medium range retail branding.
Posted by at 04:21 PM | TrackBack
March 29, 2005
Vanity Fair comes out of the dust while The New Yorker still kicks ass and Vogue seems anything but enVogue.
Publishers are biting their nails till April 15th when the American Magazine Awards will be announced. Vanity Fair is up for seven yes SEVEN nominations including; general excellence, feature categories, reviews, critiques, profiles, commentary and columns. Adam Moss’ redesign of New York magazine didn’t go unnoticed either. NY Mag is up for three nominations. W magazine is nominated for a design award while Vogue was totally ignored this year. Do you think it has anything to do with those huge ad insertions that bring the book in at 900+ pages. Remember these are magazine awards, not catalog rewards. Details picked up three nominations in photography, general excellence and design. Men’s Health was back this year with a nomination for general excellence.
To see a complete list
To see a complete list
The categories and finalists are:
GENERAL EXCELLENCE: This category recognizes overall excellence in magazines. The award honors the effectiveness with which writing, reporting, editing and design all come together to command readers’ attention and fulfill the magazine’s unique editorial mission.
Circulation under 100,000:
The American Scholar, The Believer, Print, ReadyMade, The Virginia Quarterly Review
Circulation of 100,000 to 250,000:
Baseline, Dwell, Foreign Policy, Los Angeles Magazine, Teacher Magazine
Circulation of 250,000 to 500,000:
The Atlantic Monthly, Cure, Details, Martha Stewart Weddings, New York Magazine
Circulation of 500,000 to 1,000,000:
Cook’s Illustrated, Esquire, Gourmet, Vibe, Wired
Circulation of 1,000,000 to 2,000,000:
Fortune, Men’s Health, The New Yorker, Real Simple, Vanity Fair
Circulation over 2,000,000:
Glamour, Good Housekeeping, National Geographic, Newsweek, Sports Illustrated
PERSONAL SERVICE: This category recognizes excellence in service journalism. The advice or instruction presented should help readers improve the quality of their personal lives.
BabyTalk, Budget Living, Money, Self, U.S. News & World Report
LEISURE INTERESTS: This category recognizes excellent service journalism about leisure-time pursuits. The practical advice or instruction presented should help readers enjoy hobbies or other recreational interests.
Golf Digest, National Geographic Adventure, O, The Oprah Magazine, Runner’s World, Sports Illustrated
REPORTING: This category recognizes excellence in reporting. It honors the enterprise, exclusive reporting and intelligent analysis that a magazine exhibits in covering an event, a situation or a problem of contemporary interest and significance.
5280 Magazine, The Chronicle of Higher Education (two nominations), National Geographic Adventure, The New Yorker
PUBLIC INTEREST: This category recognizes journalism that has the potential to affect national or local policy or lawmaking. It honors investigative reporting or groundbreaking analysis that sheds new light on an issue of public importance.
5280 Magazine, Fortune, Harper’s Magazine, The New Yorker, San Francisco Magazine
FEATURE WRITING: This category recognizes excellence in feature writing. The award honors the stylishness and originality with which the author treats his or her subject.
The Atlantic Monthly, Esquire, GQ, Texas Monthly, Vanity Fair
PROFILE WRITING: This category recognizes excellence in profile writing. The award honors the vividness and perceptiveness with which the writer brings his or her subject to life.
The New Yorker, Rolling Stone, Sports Illustrated, Vanity Fair (two nominations)
ESSAYS: This category recognizes excellence in essay writing on topics ranging from the personal to the political. Whatever the subject, the award honors the author’s eloquence, perspective, fresh thinking and unique voice.
The Atlantic Monthly, Esquire, Ms. Magazine, National Geographic, The New Yorker
COLUMNS and COMMENTARY: This category recognizes excellence in short-form political, social, economic or humorous commentary. The award honors the eloquence, force of argument and succinctness with which the writer presents his or her views.
National Journal, The New Yorker, Smart Money, Vanity Fair (two nominations)
REVIEWS and CRITICISM: This category recognizes excellence in criticism of art, books, movies, television, theater, music, dance, food, dining, fashion, products and the like. The award honors the knowledge, persuasiveness and original voice that the critic brings to his or her reviews.
GQ, The New Republic, The New Yorker (two nominations), Vanity Fair
MAGAZINE SECTION: This category recognizes excellence of a regular department or editorial section of a magazine, either front- or back-of-book and composed of a variety of elements, both text and visual. The award honors the section’s voice, originality, design and packaging.
AARP The Magazine, ESPN The Magazine, New York Magazine, Popular Science, Runner’s World
SINGLE-TOPIC ISSUE: This category recognizes magazines that have devoted an issue to an in-depth examination of one topic. The award honors the ambition, comprehensiveness and imagination with which a magazine treats its subject.
Discover, Fortune, Gourmet, Newsweek, Print
DESIGN: This category recognizes excellence in magazine design. The award honors the effectiveness of overall design, artwork, graphics and typography in enhancing a magazine’s unique mission and personality.
Details, Everyday Food, Kids: Fun Stuff To Do Together, Ski, W
PHOTOGRAPHY: This category recognizes excellence in magazine photography. The award honors the effectiveness of photography, photojournalism and photo illustration in enhancing a magazine’s unique mission and personality.
Country Home, Details, Gourmet, Kids: Fun Stuff To Do Together, New York Magazine
PHOTO PORTFOLIO/PHOTO ESSAY: This category recognizes a distinctive portfolio or photographic essay. The award honors either photos that express an idea or concept, or documentary photojournalism shot in real time.
Aperture, Condé Nast Traveler, Departures, Los Angeles Magazine, The New Yorker, Time
FICTION: This category recognizes excellence in magazine fiction writing. The award honors the quality of a publication’s literary selections.
The Atlantic Monthly, Harper’s Magazine, The New Yorker, The Paris Review, The Virginia Quarterly Review
GENERAL EXCELLENCE ONLINE: This category recognizes outstanding magazine Internet sites, as well as online-only magazines and Weblogs that have a significant amount of original content. The award honors sites that reflect an outstanding level of interactivity, journalistic integrity, service and innovative visual presentation.
The Atlantic Online, BusinessWeek Online, ConsumerReports.org, Nerve.com, Style.com
ABOUT: The National Magazine Awards have been presented each year since 1966. In the first four years single awards were given to Look (1966), Life (1967), Newsweek (1968) and American Machinist (1969). Subsequently, in response to the variety of editorial content and visual presentation in magazines the categories were expanded. The awards are sponsored by ASME in association with the Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism.
Posted by at 04:01 PM | TrackBack
Saks Scandal of Chargeback�s goes bad! "Like over 20million dollars worth!"
The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) notified Saks Inc. last Thursday that it issued a formal order of a private investigation. The SEC has launched a formal investigation into Saks Inc. over what could be a series of improper collections of markdown allowances to related accounting and disclosure issues.
Saks operates the 57-unit Saks Fifth Avenue chain, Saks Inc. operates 52 Off 5th stores and the 238-unit Saks department store group, which includes the Parisian, Proffitt’s, McRae’s, Younkers, Herberger’s, Carson Pirie Scott, Bergner’s and Boston Store nameplates. There are also 38 Club Libby Lu specialty stores owned by Saks Inc.
Saks has agreed to pay back $21.5 million due to the improper collection of markdown allowances. The impropriety reportedly occurred in the bridge area of retailer.
Onward Kashiyama USA is rumored to be one of several brands getting reimbursed. OK USA supplies Kors merchandise to Saks, has sued the retailer for $9,275,643 for substantial deductions and credits which were not allowed under the terms of the agreement.
Industry experts predict that this investigation will force other vendors in beauty, fashion and accessories to look at other retailers like Nordstrom’s, Neiman Marcus and Dillard’s. All known for their chargeback’s that have put several brands in the negative status on their financial statements.
This action will force retailers to take responsibility for their buying trends and to stop inventory issues with their seasons. Also to own the merchandise they bring in and not dump it back on the vendor six months later when it doesn’t sell.
Posted by at 02:32 PM | TrackBack
Helmut Lang leaves Soho
Prada who purchased 51% of Lang in 1999 and the remainder of the brand last year will soon close the Soho space. Two months ago Lang resigned from his own company. Rumor has it that Prada is having their design team work nights to reconfigure the Helmut Lang brand. I envision little mice with thimbles much like the Disney cartoon Cinderella hard at work with their fabrics.
The original plan was to open concept stores much like Paul Smith has rolled out over the past few years. Prada reported recently that Lang sales fell over 33% . Prada now hopes to cut costs further. Maybe they should talk to Target or Wal-Mart for a license expansion. Could the fashion world see a Prada superstore carrying all brands; Miu Miu, Jill Sander, Prada Sport and Helmut Lang. Would we all shop there? Mega-Prada Store conveniently located next to Outback Steakhouse. I do love that Blooming Onion appetizer.
Posted by at 02:24 PM | TrackBack
Versace Fashion PR Gets Wings
Communications director for Versace Worldwide; Jason Weisenfeld steps down as in-house hero and moves over to outside consulting for the Italian design label. Rumor has it that Jason will soon open up his own PR firm. Hmmmm, could this be true Donatella? DV quoted in WWD last Thursday stating that Weisenfeld has been a great strength and shown leadership for the Versace Company during a period of great transition. Jason worked prior to Versace as the VP of communications for the now buried Pegasus fashion group; VP of communications at Barney’s and worked at Bloomingdales and the Clinton White house. With a resume like that Jason is sure to have his own firm. What it will be entitled remains anyone’s guess; Jason Media. Weis Relations, the list goes on. Congratulations Jason on your ventures in communications we will be watching you closely.
Posted by at 12:44 PM | TrackBack
March 24, 2005
Stay Ahead of the Game: Les Nouvelles Esth�tiques Provides Seven Ways to Stay Informed in the Industry
Face it. Staying abreast of all the latest trends and technologies in the esthetics industry can be extremely overwhelming. From thalasso- and hydrotherapy treatments, to chiral and organic products, to LEDs and microcurrent, the esthetics business becomes the business of staying informed.
Les Nouvelles Esthétiques offers seven ways to stay informed in the ever-changing esthetics industry.
1. Turn to those who know: Trade magazines, such as Les Nouvelles Esthétiques contain the latest news in the skin care and spa industry. LNE’s skin, spa and image news sections announce the hottest ingredients and the latest products. With its “Spa Trends” feature, LNE becomes the industry’s trend tracker and makes it easier for readers to keep track of what’s going on.
2. Read consumer publications: Want to know what your clients are expecting from your business? Look no further than the pages of Allure, InStyle and other consumer-based publications. Consumer-based publications also give you a glimpse of what’s going on in other spas around the country.
3. Attend trade shows: Trade shows provide both attendees and exhibitors with a chance to rub elbows, improve business relations, hone skills, get connected, and stay informed of the latest and greatest trends in the esthetics industry.
4. Tune in: Television programs like 20/20 and 48 Hours recently aired a special on mesotherapy. Even watching some commercials that advertise skin care products available at mass retailers can give you an idea on what consumers will be expecting from your spa products and business services. And of course the plastic surgery makeover shows always have some good information.
5. Beauty school: You don’t necessarily have to hit the books. Sign up for alumni newsletters, which often provide articles on new developments and class calendars, which should give you an idea of the latest technology and equipment out there on the market.
6. Surf the Web: Your state’s Board of Cosmetology website can help you stay up to date on the latest regulations. Websites such as LNEONLINE.com offer news and tips for skin care and spa professionals. LNEONLINE.com recently debuted its “Step by Step” feature, in which a manufacturer provides easy instructions on how to perform one of its treatments. Manufacturers like Yon-Ka Paris, Biologique Recherche and Sothys Paris recently featured their products on the LNEONLINE.com “Step by Step” feature. Also, visit manufacturers’ sites to find out about products and ingredients.
7. Network: The important thing is to get your business out there. “Networking opportunities are everywhere. Identify organizations, events and professional groups and get involved. This is especially important on a state level. Cosmetology laws are being passed each year without estheticians even knowing that these new laws are going to affect their license. If you go to a professional networking meeting, you will have an opportunity to learn what is going on right in your own backyard, and as a group, create a voice that will be heard,” advises Denise R. Fuller, CEO of International Spa Importing Specialists, co-founder of Florida Aesthetic Network and LNE writer.
Janet McCormick, CIDESCO diplomate, owner of Spa Techniques Consulting and LNE writer also stresses the significance of networking. “Networking is important to maintaining vitality and interest in your career, as well as staying abreast of cutting-edge information. Our industry is growing and changing quickly and keeping up is the key to success. That only happens with shared information,” she says. “Networking with other professionals in your area—those away from where you work—keeps ideas flowing and new ‘learnings’ coming. ‘Ahha’ moments can be enjoyed without even going out of town to a show when people who love their profession share information—right in their hometowns.”
The American edition of Les Nouvelles Esthétiques has been in circulation since 1985 and is the only monthly publication in the industry devoted exclusively to skin care and spa professionals. The focus of the magazine’s articles is to educate skin care and spa professionals in all aspects of the beauty industry.
Les Nouvelles Esthétiques was founded more than 50 years ago in Paris, France. With a global network of 19 publications and 19 trade shows worldwide, the company remains the largest international source for esthetics and spa professionals.
For more information, call 1-(800) 471-0229 or visit www.LNEONLINE.com.
Posted by Steve Hultgren at 02:48 PM | TrackBack
The End OF Newspaper Classifieds
Are you planning ahead? Are you ontop of technology? The Kelsey Group revealed figures showing about 70 percent of U.S. households now turn to the Internet to find local products and services. That's up 16 percent in 2004 over the previous year, putting the Internet on par with newspapers which are likely to fall behind the Internet very shortly, according to MarketingVox.
With local search like Yahoo! Local and Google Local getting more and more efficient, and Craig's List continuing to grow and give newspapers a run for the money, newspapers are in grave danger of losing not only readers, but also a major revenue source.
Posted by Steve Hultgren at 02:33 PM | TrackBack
March 19, 2005
Happy Spring! A Time To Grow
Happy Spring! -from the executive team at Pierce Mattie. Last Friday we celebrated Spring early by sending out special "treats" to all our friends in the media. If you didn't get your present from Flowers By Richard make sure your on our media list, and for everyone else we missed we apologize, here is a Springtime greeting to enjoy.
Posted by Stephen at 11:26 PM | TrackBack
JOICO FEATURED IN PREMIER ACADEMY AWARDS STARS� GIFT BAG
The attendee list rolled like the credits from the two biggest movies of the year — The Aviator and Million Dollar Baby — with Hilary Swank, Clint Eastwood, Cate Blanchett and Martin Scorsese a few of the stars who showed up for the WB Oscar Party held several nights prior to the Academy Awards. The star-studded affair treated Hollywood’s A-listers to a cocktail reception and elegant sit-down dinner at Los Angeles’ Hotel Bel-Air, where K-Pak Shampoo and Conditioner played a starring role in the evening’s gift bag with contents valued at $4,311.
The gift bag, an International Travel Rolling Case, was equipped with a pair of Everlast boxing gloves to play on the theme of Warner Bros.’ two top-billing movies of the year, The Aviator and Million Dollar Baby. The celebrities were treated to a high-end assortment of gifts, including an Equinox gym membership, Nicole Miller sunglasses, a United Airlines luxury club membership, Calvin Klein underwear, a Ringling Bros. VIP circus package and, of course, Joico’s K-Pak.
All Joico products contain Triamine Complex, an exclusive blend of 19 amino acids found naturally in human hair to provide the ultimate, intense reconstruction from cortex to cuticle. Joico ingredients penetrate all layers of the hair shaft, leaving hair totally restored to its optimal state, inside and out.
Joico, a leading professional hair care brand, provides a wide range of hair care, styling, color and texture products to salons across the United States and to international markets. For additional information, or to locate a Joico salon, please call 1.800.44..JOICO or visit www.joico.com
Posted by at 06:11 PM | TrackBack
"The Mariah Makeover" Pierce Mattie Loves Mariah Carey
The Rebirth, oh wait that was Jennifer Lopez’s new album, ummm Damita Jo, no… not that either that was… Janet Jackson, oh I know lets call it; The Emancipation of Mimi. Is she referring to Mimi Maternity. http://www.mimimaternity.com/home.asp?Media=Motherhood
Mariah isn't the funk with a chunk anymore. Who did her lipo?
Mariah is soooo skinny now. Jenny Craig http://www.jennycraig.com/ should have picked her up and not Kirstie Alley. But I see Mariah as more of a Slim Fast girl, don't you?
Mariah Carey is on the clean up. This butterfly will soar this spring with a new look. Critics touted her knockoff appeal to be Beyonce-ish meets Janet Jackson. Carey who competes with tween queen Hillary has resorted to putting her breasts back in her bra and wearing more makeup. She recently slimmed down dropping 15+ pounds (or alteast the airbrushing of 15lbs) and now sports a tight new figure. Her new album will hit stores mid April. The album reported by Billboard magazine will drop down the tone of vocal and bring up her dance vibe. How very Cher of her! If it can work for Cher and can work for Mariah, Bette Midler should take notes. Who wants to hear the words anyway, don't we all just want to dance? Maybe she can perform at my 30th birthday party.
Producers include Island Def Jam, The Neptune’s and Snoop Dogg. We love you Mariah!
ps - LOVE THE SHOES!
Mariah Carey Beyonce Liposuction
Posted by at 01:18 PM | TrackBack
Tea Tree Oil is not safe for skin care
The Scientific Committee on Consumer Products (SCCP) adopted an opinion on Tea Tree Oil stating that it is now unfit for topical cosmetic usage.
SCCP concluded that the use of undiluted Tea Tree Oil as a commercial product is not safe. The stability of Tea Tree Oil in cosmetic formulations is questionable. A standardized method for the specification of Tea Tree Oil is needed. Industry should develop an analytical testing method based on typical degradation products to ensure and control the stability of the material.
Skin and eye irritation was not assessed by adequate methods. There are relevant data gaps with regard to subchronic toxicity, percutaneous absorption, genotoxicity/carcinogenicity and reproductive toxicity. The safe use of Tea Tree Oil as cosmetic ingredient cannot be assessed.
A complete dossier of a representative standardized material to all relevant toxicological endpoints is required by the end of 2005; an opinion based on the information available at that time will be given."
The complete SCCP opinion on Tea Tree Oil is available at: http://europa.eu.int/comm/health/ph_risk/committees/04_sccp/docs/sccp_o_018.pdf
Posted by at 12:53 PM | TrackBack
March 18, 2005
Rachel Hunter the Classified Cosmetics Supermodel Goes Postal
Rachel Hunter the Classified Cosmetics Supermodel Goes Postal
(And it’s not because she doesn’t get a paycheck from Cover Girl anymore)
Last week when Rod Stewart (almost a senior citizen) proposed to his girlfriend Penny Lancaster (dating for 5+ years), stating to the press “I will get it right this time” Rachel swore to get even. Hunter now at work in London on a new reality model TV show; “Make Me a Supermodel” watch out Tyra Banks, she could take your ratings.
Rod climbed to the top of the Eiffel Tower last week with Penny and proposed giving her a princess cut diamond ring (karat count unknown)
Rachel we have some advise for you, call Alana Stewart. The two of you should move on. Keep pushing cosmetics and keep your drama classified!
http://www.classifiedcosmetics.com/
Posted by at 02:11 PM | TrackBack
March 14, 2005
Justice or Jammies: the art of moving a story in the headlines
Few by now will be unaware of Michael Jackson’s choice of attire for his court appearance
However there is more than one way to look at this situation. On one hand it could have been a clever, deliberate ploy by Michael Jackson, distracting media attention from the court case removing the spot light from his actions in relation to the trial, playing the media to his advantage.
On the other hand, Michael Jackson may genuinely have not intended anything untoward to have occurred through his choice of clothes and in that case we must look towards the media for an explanation.
It is the role of the media to provide us with facts and opinions, and present us with stories that relate to global and national interest. However it appears that sensationalism is the strategy in action here. The media is filled with stories offering short term profitability, focusing on maintaining high viewing/sales figures providing the owning companies with suitable profits. They do not appear to care about the long term benefits to be gained through providing the audience with substantial news.
My opinion is that the whole episode stems from very clever Public Relations in the Michael Jackson camp. Through his actions he gave the media an excellent twist for the story, something that appealed to them and their sensationalist minds, a story that would spread excitement and promote sales. At the same time the stories would alleviate pressure on his court trial and remove the limelight from the delicate nature of that day’s proceedings
This illustrates the strength of Public Relations as a media tool. However the notion of truth and integrity is something that is held in high esteem here at Pierce Mattie Public Relations, it is important to provide all the options, allowing people to form their own conclusions and opinions.
We don’t like to cover up important stories; we just like to make our cover-up product stories important!
Posted by Stephen at 04:02 PM | Comments (1) | TrackBack
Technology: Heaven or Hindrance
Along with the recent technological boom the amount of microwaves and electromagnetic frequencies buzzing around our heads and bodies has increased phenomenally. Our skin is permanently bombarded by free radicals and elements in the natural atmosphere leaving it battered and tired.
But it does not stop there; the constant use of cell phones has lead to intensive research into how it affects our health. Scientists believe that excessive use of cell phones can lead to many ailments, damaged chromosomes, brain tumors and cancer.
One aspect of particular interest to us here at Pierce Mattie Public Relations is the notion that excessive cell phone use can cause premature aging, now that’s food for thought! This too has received attention from scientists for quite some time and in fact scientists believe that this is true, excessive use can age your skin.
So let’s give Paris Hilton a moment of our attention...
We all know that Paris is a big fan of her cell phone; it’s literally stuck to her face. Can you imagine in a few years the T-Mobile shaped wrinkles developing on her cheek?
Maybe she should use her phone to call us and ask about the range of anti-aging products that we promote!
Posted by Stephen at 04:02 PM | TrackBack
March 12, 2005
The Internet, A Treasure Trove Of Information For Marketers
Because of the pervasiveness of the Internet, the use of chat rooms, IM, forums, email and weblogs, the level of "consumer conversation" has risen dramatically. The beauty of this, for marketers, is that it's all digitized, right there on servers across the globe, to be examined and analyzed for future product development and marketing. Research firm BuzzMetrics has taken advantage of these vast resources and made a business out of culling data and analyzing it for marketers. It's most recent report takes a look at artificial sweeteners.
If something doesn't change soon, it seems all food is going to come out of a machine and contain nothing but hard to categorize, unpronounceable. man-made ingredients. It's already happening, and has been for some time now, with artificial sweeteners. A recent study by BuzzMetrics indicates people are wising up to all this fakery and marketers may need to take note. According to BuzzMetrics, 45 percent of all artificial-sweetener discussions among over 200,000 monitored trend-setting consumers in online health and nutrition forums were negative in the fourth quarter of 2004. Specifically, 14 percent of discussions recommended using natural sweeteners instead; 13 percent warned of side effects; 11 percent advocated for limited intake; and seven percent complained of unpleasant taste.
Conversely, 42 percent of artificial-sweetener discussions were in favor of them in some way. Specifically, 19 percent discussed regular usage; 17 percent advocated their use in cooking; and six percent recommended them over natural sweeteners.
This is just a tiny snapshot of the "conversations" that are out there for companies to look at when they consider the development of a product or the marketing of an existing product. It's not an easy task but there's never before been a time when so much information has been available about people preferences, opinions and habits.
Posted by Steve Hultgren at 06:03 PM | TrackBack
The 99 Most Desirable Women of 2005
Ask Men voted Adriana Lima as the most desirable woman alive. We thought for sure it was going to be our very own Nikki Walker, but unfortunately she didn't enter the competition.The Top 99 Most Desirable Women is an annual list compiled by AskMen.com that ranks the year's most alluring females, based on votes cast by readers and staff and taking into account a number of criteria. Physical appeal alone does not secure a spot in the Top 99; the women on the list are there because they possess a combination of looks, intelligence and personality that set them apart.
Why should you care about the list?
Since its first incarnation launched in 2001, more than 15 million readers have checked out AskMen.com's Top 99 Most Desirable Women lists -- as have countless media outlets, from New York to Sydney to London. As the list's audience grows, so too does its influence. Have your say in which ladies make next year's list by signing up to our newslette
Posted by Steve Hultgren at 05:44 PM | TrackBack
How The "Stars" Tame E-Mail
By now everyone has heard of Paris Hiltons hacked address book. And all of us deal with SPAM and email overload. USA Today has a very informative article on how the big names tame e-mail and get the info they need quickly.
One way to combat e-mail overload and spam is to go wireless. Wireless, the hottest e-mail solution of the moment is to do e-mail everywhere, and the preferred device is the BlackBerry, from Research in Motion (RIM). Celebs Kelly Osbourne and Sarah Jessica Parker check their BlackBerrys during media interviews. Demi Moore and Arnold Schwarzenegger use them. Lynne Cheney, the vice president's wife, relies on hers. So did Richard Scrushy before he was fired as CEO of HealthSouth for alleged accounting fraud.
Posted by Steve Hultgren at 05:25 PM | TrackBack
The Best Celebrity Restaurants and Clubs
Seems Celebrities are doing much more then just representing brands and products these days. Many are now owning hot nightclubs and restaurants. This short list includes the more popular, you wont find the oxygen bar on here.
CLUBS
Aerosmith -- Mount Blue
Norwell, Mass.
Dudes look like nightclub proprietors
Jay Z -- 40/40 Club
New York
''Local'' sports bar -- for Jeter & friends
Dave Grohl -- Black Cat
Washington
Music mecca part-owned by Foo Fighter
Schwarzenegger and Shriver -- Schatzi
Santa Monica, Calif.
Cocktails courtesy of governator, spouse
Tommy Lee -- ROKBAR
Miami Beach
Hosting a Mötley Crüe of partiers nightly
Chris Noth -- The Cutting Room
New York
Keeping Mr. Big busy after 'Sex'
Buddy Guy -- Buddy Guy's Legends
Chicago
Top club, top players, legendary founder
Larry Flynt -- Supper Cabaret
Beverly Hills, Calif.
Skin kingpin's ''neo-burlesque'' palace
Gennifer Flowers -- Kelsto Club
New Orleans
Bubba's belle becomes Big Easy bon vivant
Alice Cooper -- Alice Cooper'stown
Phoenix
Rocker, golfer, nightlife patron
RESTAURANTS
(1). Robert De Niro owns the Rubicon in San Francisco.
Whats on the menu?:
California-French haute cuisine complements an extensive wine list -- none of which comes cheap.
The scene:
''Too cool for school'' wine connoisseurs and disaffected gastronomists
(2). Michael Jordan owns Onesixtyblue in Chicago
On the menu:
American bounty -game, beef and fish -is prepared using French techniques. Don't forget the cheese!
On the scene:
True gourmands and foodie Bulls fans taking advantage of the $39 pregame prix-fixe menu
(3). Alice Cooper'sTown Sports Bar & Grill in Phoenix
On the menu:
Seven kinds of margaritas wash down barbeque, burgers, meatloaf and even tuna casserole.
On the scene:
Rockers head here for the music while sports fans spill over from neighboring America West arena.
The spot where rock meets jock
(4). P. Diddy owns Justin's in New York
On the menu:
Upscale variations of Southern and Caribbean cuisines pit conch fritters against hush puppies.
On the scene:
Music industry hob-nobbers and hip-hop fans hoping for a glimpse of the owner
(5). Justin Timberlake owns Chi in West Hollywood, Calif.
On the menu:
Dim sum faves complement a larger selection of fish, fowl and vegetarian dishes.
On the scene:
Hollywood hipsters and models whose idea of a meal is a single steamed dumpling
The dim sum at Chi rocks your body.
(6). Gloria Estefan owns Bongo's Cuban Cafe in Miami
On the menu:
Feast on traditional Cuban favorites like pollo asada and churrasco -- don't forget a mojito or two.
On the scene:
On weekends, the dance floor swells with extras from 'Dirty Dancing: Havana Nights.' Cuban flavors and rhythm -- sans politics
(7). J.Loowns Madre's in Pasadena, Calif.
On the menu:
Latin dishes just like J.Lo's mama used to make -- in the Bronx
On the scene:
Fans of frilly touches like vintage china and lace tableclothes looking for an old-school Hollywood vibe
(8). Jimmy Buffettowns Margaritaville Restaurant and Nightclub in Las Vegas
On the menu:
Standard surf and turf options are standard but the ''Cheeseburger in Paradise'' is the real draw.
On the scene:
Parrotheads aplenty and bleary-eyed gamblers seeking an island breeze in the desert
(9).Robert Redford owns The Tree Room in Sundance, Utah
On the menu:
''Seasonal mountain cuisine'' includes well-dressed buffalo, venison and salmon.
On the scene:
Fans of fine dining enjoy the fruits of the range at a fireside table.
(10) Bill Murray owns Murray Bros. Caddyshack in Orlando
On the menu:
Hearty Midwestern comfort food like pot roast and bratwurst fills Floridian bellies.
On the scene:
Golf-on-TV fans and former caddies who've always wanted to take over the country club
Posted by Steve Hultgren at 04:57 PM | TrackBack
Absolute Luxury Magazine Launch
Over 400 well-heeled, well-dressed, and generally well-off folks celebrated the launch issue of Absolute, a monthly magazine focusing on luxury living for the $500,000 plus income set. The event was held in a new multi-million dollar penthouse on the 79th floor at 25 Columbus Circle with fantastic views overlooking Central Park.
Posted by Steve Hultgren at 04:52 PM | TrackBack
March 11, 2005
JWT: Dumb-Ass Branding, or the Perils of Rewriting Corporate DNA
J. Walter Thompson has changed its name to JWT. Was it the right choice? Nick Wreden has a fantastic Blog called FusionBrand and shares his perspective.
J. Walter Thompson has long been the iconic Madison Avenue agency. For years - no, decades - it has done advertising for Unilever, Ford and Pfizer, defining mass market advertising. The roots of the firm were established in 1864 as "Carlton & Smith," which specialized in buying and selling space in religious journals. In 1874 J. Walter Thompson bought the New York firm and renamed it after himself. No wonder "venerable" always seemed to precede the agency name.
Last year, Bob Jeffrey was named as CEO of J. Walter. He rightly recognized that the world of mass-market branding was dead. Audiences are either too jaded or too segmented for television -- J. Walter's long-time bread-and-butter. Direct mail is no more than landfill fodder and telemarketers have all the social cachet of child pornographers. Jeffrey understands that consumers now have the power to make or break brands. Success does not lie in how brands are "positioned," as the dinosaurs Trout and Ries continue to argue 30 years after their once-novel idea, but in how customers "participate" in the brand.
In Jeffrey's words: "Time is the new currency. Our job is to ensure that more people spend more time with our clients' brands. We need to create ideas that people want to spend more time with. The better the idea the more time people will spend with it."
As a result, Jeffrey is pushing, pulling and prodding the venerable firm into the digital age. He has brought in a new creative director. He has made the firm's digital expertise -- not its TV experience -- the basis of successful new pitches. Campaigns launch first on the Web with rich media, not on TV. It has employed interactivity effectively, such as the "Design Your Own Engagement Ring" on the Web for the diamond-giant De Beers. Women can customize their engagement ring, then email a not-so-subtle hint to the men in their lives. Such innovation has deep roots. In 1930, J. Walter Thompson supported the first TV show, sending the message for Libby's out to 44 TV sets nationwide.
Jeffrey argues that just as the corporate DNA has changed, so must the name. Frankly, I'm a bit cynical such proclamations. How many times have we heard agencies say, yes, now we truly get it, and then see only updated Mr. Whipple ads or cars zooming along the same stretch of desert or California highway? But even lip service by an advertising giant to the idea that brands can no longer "position" themselves to customers but instead must embark on interactive relationships is welcome news indeed.
So what does Jeffrey do to execute this new vision and send the message that old-time "positioning" and bloated TV budgets are dead and buried along with disco and polyester pants? He changes J. Walter Thompson's name to "JWT."
What message does "JWT" communicate? While J. Walter Thompson had an enviable, upper-class ring as it rolled smoothly off the tongue, JWT communicates nothing. JWT could mean a manufacturing firm, or a shipping company, or even a start-up tow-truck company. While the need for a name change to reflect the new direction is certainly debatable, surely the creative minds at the agency could have come up with something more definitive and defining than "JWT."
Ask yourself: You are a company looking to communicate verve, excitement, innovation and an ability to connect with customers. Would you hire a firm seeking to send the same message who renamed itself "JWT?"
Still, I wish Jeffrey all the luck in the world, and applaud his insight. He has gotten off on the wrong foot with a misbegotten name-change, but the race will be won by those that can execute best in the new customer economy. Here's hoping that he can teach the old J.Walter Thompson elephant not just to dance, but to swagger as well.
Posted by Stephen at 02:52 PM
March 09, 2005
There's More Online Than Porn
Men.style.com, with it's tagline "explicit coverage of fashion, gear and style" has been pushing it's new banner ad "more than Porn" for a few weeks now, The site acts as the online home of Fairchild publications DETAILS and Conde Nast GQ magazine. It converts quickly into style.com (which is the female counterpart) by clicking on the tab at the top labeled "women".
The site is clean, the colors and layout remind me of Baxter of California's website, it's well organized and delivers premium content for it's male audience. Currently it's running a COUNTER INTELLIGENCE story in the "style notes" section on "10 new stores you need to know about"
Posted by Steve Hultgren at 08:13 AM
March 05, 2005
Grate Publicity Can Come From Simple Gestures Of Kindness
I've worked in one of the worlds largest NY advertising agencies, been employed by small boutique design shops and cutting edge consulting firms. It's my job to come up with creative ideas for my clients and one thing I have learned over and over is that consumers are growing more sophisticated to the media, advertisers ads and marketers methods.
Time and again my recommendation is to start the pr campaign with simple gestures of kindness...then engage your creative marketing plan.
Profound...no, but very effective.
In my line of business the goal is to reach people who will benefit from our clients services or products. Creativity and humor will win you attention, but trust, kindness and highly coveted "love" will win you devotion for a lifetime.
Think about it.
Posted by Steve Hultgren at 11:37 AM
March 02, 2005
10x10 This Is Now
10x10™ ('ten by ten') is an interactive exploration of the words and pictures that define the time.
The result is an often moving, sometimes shocking, occasionally frivolous, but always fitting snapshot of our world. Every hour, 10x10 collects the 100 words and pictures that matter most on a global scale, and presents them as a single image, taken to encapsulate that moment in time. Over the course of days, months, and years, 10x10 leaves a trail of these hourly statements which, stitched together side by side, form a continuous patchwork tapestry of human life.
10x10 is ever-changing, ever-growing, quietly observing the ways in which we live. It records our wars and crises, our triumphs and tragedies, our mistakes and milestones. When we make history, or at least the headlines, 10x10 takes note and remembers.
Each hour is presented as a picture postcard window, composed of 100 different frames, each of which holds the image of a single moment in time. Clicking on a single frame allows us to peer a bit deeper into the story that lies behind the image. In this way, we can dart in and out of the news, understanding both the individual stories and the ways in which they relate to each other.
10x10 runs with no human intervention, autonomously observing what a handful of leading international news sources are saying and showing. 10x10 makes no comment on news media bias, or lack thereof. It has no politics, nor any secret agenda; it simply shows what it finds.
With no human editors and no regulation, 10x10 is open and free, raw and fresh, and consequently a unique way of following world events. In 10x10, we respond instinctively to patterns in the grid, visual indicators of relevance. When we see a frequently repeated image, we know it’s important. When we see a picture of a movie star next to a picture of dead bodies, we understand the extremes that exist in our world. Scanning a grid of pictures can be more intuitive than reading headlines, for it lets the news come to life, and everything feels a bit less distant, a bit closer to heart, and maybe, if we're lucky, gives us pause to think. If you'd like to learn more about 10x10, you can read how it works.
Posted by Steve Hultgren at 05:01 PM