It started Tuesday and runs through Monday. What began as a class-action lawsuit filed in 2003 in California now has several high-end department stores passing out free cosmetics to the tune of $175 million.
They include Macys, Gottschalks (which doesn't really need to be giving stuff away), Nordstrom in our area and even swankier names like Neiman Marcus, Bloomingdale's, Saks Fifth Avenue and Bergdorf Goodman. The cosmetics companies include Boucheron, Chanel, Christian Dior Perfumes, Clarins, Conopco Inc. (Calvin Klein, Vera Wang, Lovely by Sarah Jessica Parker), Estee Lauder (which also owns Clinique, which is in the suit), Guerlain Inc., Parfums Givenchy and L'Oreal USA (Lancome, Ralph Lauren Romance and Giorgio Armani).
Here's what happened according to several e-mails that crossed my path: The suit alleges that the stores conspired to fix prices.The stores, however, have not admitted any wrongdoing and the suit was settled without anyone fessing up.
If you were a member of the class-action lawsuit, you're eligible to receive one free cosmetics product from one of the manufacturers from the store you purchased it between May 29, 1994, through July 16, 2003.
Since it's doubtful most consumers retained their receipts, no proof of purchase is necessary. However, customers who claim a freebie (priced from $18 to $25) have to sign a certification sheet acknowledging they purchased a listed product during the time period listed above.
This is a first come, first served deal until all $175 million worth of stuff is taken. That means no rainchecks.
Word leaking out is mixed as consumers rushed to get their free cosmetic or fragrance. A Pittsburgh paper reports some consumers were getting more than one freebie. In other words, they were going to, say, a Macy's and getting something and then to Saks down the street to grab another.
One salesperson was quoted saying, "Where was everyone at Christmas?"
To see a list of the stores and the products offered, click here.
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