Estee Lauder Deploys Consumer-Use iPads at Cosmetics Counters

Beauty care company Estée Lauder is using digital technologies to enhance the customer experience at various points of sale, including iPads for consumer use.

Estée Lauder is "the first cosmetics brand to put iPads at selected store counters," said Fabrizio Freda, the company's president and CEO. "Consumers can use them to conduct skin care assessments, then print or e-mail the customized results. The state of our technology offers more than 180,000 possible product combinations."

The iPads are part of Estée Lauder's High-Touch interactive programs and services, which include beauty classes and skin consultations. "In the U.S., Estée Lauder debuted several beautiful skin studios in department stores," said Freda. "There, consumers get personalized, in-depth skin analyses that are matched with the perfect makeup shade in precise lighting conditions. The stores with the new installations have been positive in sales trends."

Freda spoke during a recent conference discussing the company's financial performance during Q4 of calendar 2010, during which time the company's net sales grew 11% to $2.5 billion. "This record second-quarter performance was widespread across categories, regions and brands," he noted.