MAC Cosmetics Expands Its Presence in Africa

WWD reported that MAC Cosmetics is expanding its presence in Africa. MAC opened its first freestanding store in Lagos, Nigeria today at the Ikeja City Mall just after opening in Zambia in December, and Botswana in early January. A second MAC store is planned for The Palms Mall in Lagos later this year. Within three years, MAC plans to open five more stores in Lagos.

Karen Buglisi, global brand president for MAC Cosmetics, noted that the capital city of Abuja will be next, followed by Nairobi. Buglisi said, "Each market we enter will have to have the ability to support multiple stores," she said.

MAC has been successful in South Africa for more than a dozen years with 22 stores. William P. Lauder, executive chairman of the Estée Lauder Cos. Inc. and MAC's parent company, highlighted the untapped potential of sub-Saharan Africa at the company's annual shareholders meeting in November.

"MAC has always been a trailblazer in emerging markets - India, Brazil and Turkey, for example," said Buglisi. "We believe that the breadth of our product line, particularly in foundation shades, and our pricing will appeal to the Nigerian market, as well other African markets."