The overall industry decline was primarily driven by fragrance. Total sales of fragrance totaled $2.48 billion in 2009, down 10% in both men’s and women’s. One segment that performed slightly better than the overall market was gift sets, which dropped the least, down 8% in women’s and 5% in men’s, offset somewhat by the increase in average price, reaching an average of $64.50 for both genders.
— From U.S. Prestige Beauty Industry Posts Declines at Happi.
Hmmm. Perhaps the new ‘free’ will be re-calculated. I get so depressed when I look at my ‘must buy’ list… That or just keep the rollerballs and 15ml sizes coming and I’ll be a happy girl.
Eventually $200 will have to be the new free…
I’m truly innocent. I spent already 80% more than last year same period….
I did my part last year too…
I hate to say ‘I told you so’, but I remember voicing (here on NST) how cautious I was regarding the positive pre-holiday forecast in the prestige category. Well, I was right. And yup, gift sets led the way.
I think the holiday sales did very well though…just not enough to offset the bad year.
Probably. But the fragrance industry traditionally uses the holiday season to make up for the other periods, so if it isn’t enough to out-perform 2008–year of the financial meltdown–then there’s an indication that something needs to be looked at, that’s all.
Oh, I think the fragrance industry is well aware that it is in trouble, and in many ways that predates the meltdown.
Not surprising… I haven’t replenished my perfume supply yet, since finishing my last full-sized bottle of fragrance weeks ago. Living off random samples lying around the place now
All your fault then!