The Lipstick Indicator

I found a very interesting article in one of my trade magazines for the garden-center industry this week. It describes what is known as the "lipstick indicator". The cosmetics industry reports that during times of economic instability, lipstick sales go up. Now, why is this? Well, think about it....OK, did you think about it? 

It's a lot easier to buy a $10 tube of lipstick when times are tough than to buy a $500 outfit. A tube of lipstick is instant gratification. I don't know about you, but I would say that close to 100% of the time when I buy a new lipstick, I put it on as soon as I get in the car. As long as the color is good, I feel better immediately. (Guys, just take my word for it. Or maybe ask your wife, girlfriend, or friend, or get real crazy and just trust me on this one.)

So in these tough times those of us who are retailers need to be looking at what this article dubbed, "affordable indulgences". Look for items that are going to make your customer feel better right then, for little $. Who doesn't want that, really?

Now, I know a lot of folks in Rocky Hill/Northshore are realtors, and I don't know how you guys can go about using this exercise. I will tell you this...if you find some $25 houses you are going to make a lot of people happy. (Marty, if you find any of those, call us and I'll owe you a beer. ha ha) 

If you don't live or shop here...you will.

**If you would like to read this entire article it is from Garden Chic magazine and entitled, "Inspired Retail" by John Stanley. My apologises to Garden Chic for not citing everything correctly, but I do love your magazine and wanted to share your thoughts with others. Please forgive me!