CEW HOSTS THE GLOSS.COM FORUM
Byline: Kerry Diamond
NEW YORK — Industry executives who attended Monday’s Newsmaker Forum on Gloss.com in hopes of getting a sneak peek at the Web site had to settle for a verbal preview instead. Sponsored by Cosmetic Executive Women, the event was held at the Waldorf-Astoria and drew more than 450 attendees.
The executives taking part in the session — William Lauder, president of Clinique USA; Arie Kopelman, president of Chanel; and Joseph Horowitz, president and chief executive office of Groupe Clarins USA — were cautious not to reveal too much about their e-commerce venture, which is set to launch in the spring.
But they did reveal a few specifics, including the information that fragrance house Quest is working on a fragrance guide for the e-tailer. Also, Lauder said that the multibrand beauty Web site will launch with nine brands: Chanel, Clarins and seven of The Estee Lauder Cos. brands. He did not say which seven, but those currently mentioned on the Gloss.com preview site are Estee Lauder, Bobbi Brown, Clinique, Origins and MAC. Sales and delivery on Gloss will be restricted to the U.S.
Despite the fact that it was the first big day of Fashion Week and that several other parties were taking place around town, the event drew a full house. Kopelman couldn’t help but tease all the magazine executives in attendance. “I’m sure you’re all here because you want to learn about the Internet,” he said.
The trio said they plan to aggressively promote Gloss.com.
