After Pink Truth got in the way of Mary Kay’s planned July announcement of major product line changes by announcing it for them in January 2007, Mary Kay offered this information to sales directors who were shocked at the information.

Mary Kay Cosmetics has spoken with this message to the sales directors on January 19, 2007. This comes from the new FAQ section of MaryKayInTouch. Notice that they basically admit that the changes Pink Truth announced are truly happening. (Who said we were an unreliable source????) So ladies…. Stop ordering color cosmetics right now, unless you’ve actually sold them!

“How often does Mary Kay introduce new products? How will that affect my ability to sell my inventory?”

In a marketplace driven by innovation, Mary Kay Inc. is always looking at new products in order to keep up with current trends and be competitive. It is critical to stay competitive by introducing new products. Targeted products, which treat special concerns and work along with our core skin care line, are introduced to the product lineup to meet needs that are expressed by consumers. Limited-edition color items are introduced periodically to reflect the trends of the season.

Our core product lines are updated once every 3 to 5 years to take advantage of the latest innovations in skin care. And although we don’t do it often, we occasionally update our packaging to ensure that we continue to stay on-trend and keep our presentation current and fresh. Remember that we’re in the fast-changing cosmetics business. Much like the automobile, the fashion and the consumer electronics industries, in the cosmetics industry, newness is what attracts customers to the brand.

For example, there are some exciting color packaging and formula changes coming in the future; however, these won’ be launching for quite some time. You’ll hear about them later this year because our goal is to communicate to the independent sales force any changes to regular-line products at least three to six months in advance to help prepare for the changes so that you can adjust your inventory levels. In addition, whenever significant changes are made, we’ll be sharing great sell-through tips to help you manage the inventory you have in the months leading up to the changes. You should feel very confident that because changes are still far in the future, you can continue to conduct business as usual in regard to your ordering patterns and needs.

The bottom line is that innovation is essential to remaining competitive in our market. While change may be uncomfortable at times, it demonstrates the willingness of both our Company and the independent sales force to deliver products that excite and address the needs and desires of their customers. And, as always, please know that we have your business needs first and foremost in our minds. If you ever have questions about product changes or the timing of the changes, or if you hear about things from an unauthorized, and possibly misinformed, third party, please don’t hesitate to call Mary Kay Inc. for current and accurate information.

Then Mary Kay Inc. offered the following updated explanation on January 31, 2007.

In a marketplace driven by innovation, Mary Kay Inc. is always looking at new products in order to keep up with current trends and be competitive. It is critical to stay competitive by introducing new products. Targeted products, which treat special concerns and work along with our core skin care line, are introduced to the product lineup to meet needs that are expressed by consumers. Limited-edition color items are introduced periodically to reflect the trends of the season. Our core product lines are updated once every 3 to 5 years to take advantage of the latest innovations in skin care. And although we don’t do it often, we occasionally update our packaging to ensure that we continue to stay on-trend and keep our presentation current and fresh. Remember that we’re in the fast-changing cosmetics business. Much like the automobile, the fashion and the consumer electronics industries, in the cosmetics industry, newness is what attracts customers to the brand.

For example, there are some exciting color packaging and formula changes coming in 2007 and 2008. The first will be in December 2007, when we are planning a packaging update to lipsticks. 

When we have regular-line product changes, we communicate these changes at least three to six months ahead of time. This allows you to make informed inventory decisions.   In addition, whenever significant changes are made, we’ll be sharing great sell-through tips to help you manage the inventory you have in the months leading up to the changes. You should feel very confident that because changes are still far in the future, you can continue to conduct business as usual in regard to your ordering patterns and needs.

The bottom line is that innovation is essential to remaining competitive in our market. While change may be uncomfortable at times, it demonstrates the willingness of both our Company and the independent sales force to deliver products that excite and address the needs and desires of their customers. And, as always, please know that we have your business needs first and foremost in our minds. If you ever have questions about product changes or the timing of the changes, or if you hear about things from an unauthorized, and possibly misinformed, third party, please don’t hesitate to call Mary Kay Inc. for current and accurate information.