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| - Re: Free Lipstick Day
I stopped by Scottsdale Fashion Square yesterday and upon entering, I spotted a very very long snaking line looking like it's to meet a celebrity for a meet-and-greet and autographs and photo ops. I asked the mall security what the line was for and she replied, "mac" (with a "can-you-believe-it" expression). I initially thought maybe she meant a rap star or a reality-TV star named Mac who I would've never heard of anyway. I quickly realized she meant a M.A.C. Cosmetics store giving away a free tube of lipstick during their Free Lipstick Day.
I was familiar with the promotion a prior day via 2 news stations who posted on Facebook about it (I guess to also show that it's a legit promotion). I wasn't really interested because I figured they were probably trying to get rid of the ugly shades of color or desperately trying to clearance out their unpopular line. Something to that effect. When I checked that there is MAC store at this mall, I figured that when I stop by at the mall, I'll look inside the store and see. Well, the nice gal at the MAC makeup counter inside Nordstrom told me that they had shades of blue, purple, yellow [from the Rocker line?], or that you could mix the 2 colors to make a new color. I asked her whether they even had a pretty shade of red or pink, she smiled and said "no" (as to show that only the ugly ones). She also unsurprisingly said her counter ran out of the tubes. However, strolling over to the MAC retail store nearby, I had no idea that the promotion would attract 100s of people to stand in line for hours. A check on Facebook showed that MAC has over 18 million 'Likes' so it's not really such a surprise then. I opted to stay out because I knew that they wouldn't have 100s of tubes to give out- and besides, I hate the free shades ;) However, the promo ad on MAC's website did state that only participating stores and in limited supplies...
To the disappointed, disgruntled, and angry customers who stood in line for a long time and got an announcement that they ran out of lipsticks and suspected scam, fraud, or employees pocketing for themselves and their families/friends, or even witnessed people bringing in their families/friends to score more to give to them and/or to sell online to make a profit: there are numerous lipsticks in all shades for under a dollar elsewhere, right? Cheer up- it's only lipstick :) To those lucky enough to score a tube, congrats and hope you like the, umm, signature painted-on shade(s).
Common business sense to keep in mind: no business gives away their best products for free and any freebie (of any type) is to lure you into their establishments and hope you make a purchase- with or without that freebie. You also take a sad risk when you stand in line ;) Sorry you had to learn the lesson the hard way- I am sure your loyalty is appreciated. Maybe some MAC will make up to you as a thank-you for your time.
My thanks to the gal at the Nordstrom counter and the young guy at the retail store (and also the young gal at the Macy's store at Biltmore Fashion Park) for patiently answering my questions. My bonus star is for you 3 :)
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