This issue offers evidence of the best and worst in the beauty business. Articles such as Packaging for the Distribution Environment (p. 26) and Small Packaging: Big Results (p. 36) testify to the commitment given to innovation, imagination and quality control in developing new packaging concepts and making sure that finished goods get to market in as near as possible to perfect condition.

Color Cosmetics Sizzle for Summer (p. 30) takes a look at what some brand marketers are doing to keep excitement in this important product category. Metal Mania (p. 44) reviews the latest developments from marketers and suppliers in the use of metal in packaging. The Role of Contract Packaging (p. 56) examines a variety of services suppliers are providing customers, freeing marketers to do what they do best—market.

Virtually every feature is a testimonial to how hard the industry is working to get it ALL right. But a look at a new department, Storefront (p. 24), points out a problem. According to a Kline & Company survey of more than 400 retailers and direct sales reps, many of them are not satisfied with the relationships they have with their suppliers, the brand marketers of cosmetics, fragrances and personal care products.

Some, such as L’Oréal, Estée Lauder and Clinique, are given
high marks for performance, but others were given surprisingly poor ratings.

Of course, it’s impossible to please all the people (or retailers) all the time, but considering the current economic climate, we all need to remember who our customer is and do our best to provide what that entity needs. The challenge is to keep it all—technology, innovation, creativity AND customer service—at that “excellent” rating, all the time.

Cosmetic Packaging & Design is still improving the coverage we offer our readers. This issue includes three new departments: Newsfront for the latest in market trends; Storefront for retail news; and Photo News for people and events.

Remember to check out www.CosmeticPackagingandDesign.com for breaking news as it happens.

Janet Herlihy
Editor
[email protected]