Shop Talk
Retailers, consumers and prices
How about some lipstick to go with that lawn mower?
Sears, the low-priced retailer known for its selection of Craftsman tools and kitchen appliances, is jumping on the beauty bandwagon.
The retailer is debuting beauty departments — called Sears Beauty — in 13 mall locations in Chicago, Los Angeles and New York.
Sears Beauty will sell cosmetics, skin care, bath and body products, and fragrances by brands like L’Oreal, Maybelline, and CoverGirl. The offering, Sears says, is designed to help shoppers “achieve their ideal beauty results.”
Sears isn’t alone in wanting to help shoppers put their best face forward. JC Penney has installed Sephora locations inside many of its department stores, while Wal-Mart has reached a deal to sell an exclusive line of Hard Candy makeup in its discount stores.
Looking great trumps smelling good
It looks like fewer people were willing to give up great skin than their favorite perfume in 2008. 
According to a survey by research firm NPD Group, total U.S. sales of beauty products (sold mainly in department stores) fell 3 percent to $8.38 billion in 2008.
Browsing for butter, lip balm on Walmart.com
You can look but you can’t buy — online at least.
Wal-Mart has started allowing visitors to its website to browse some of the groceries, health and beauty, and pet products that the discount giant sells in its stores.
Instead of being able to buy the items online, Walmart.com browsers can check to see if the products are in stock at a store near them.
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Resident Shop Talk Expert
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