Benett lauder response on new york times

You're referring to the response of Estee Lauder's son, Leonard Lauder, not Bennett Lauder (who doesn't seem to be a well-known figure).

Leonard Lauder, the former CEO of Estee Lauder Companies, wrote a letter to the editor of The New York Times in response to an article published on January 27, 2011, titled "The Fragrance Counter: A Study in the Art of Selling" by Susan Dominus.

In his letter, published on February 2, 2011, Leonard Lauder defended the art of fragrance counter sales, which the article had criticized as being overly aggressive and manipulative. Lauder argued that the skills of fragrance counter sales associates were essential to the success of the beauty industry and that they played a crucial role in helping customers find the right products for their skin types and preferences.

Here is the full text of Leonard Lauder's letter:

To the Editor:

I am writing in response to Susan Dominus's article, "The Fragrance Counter: A Study in the Art of Selling" (Jan. 27). As the former chairman and C.E.O. of Estee Lauder Companies, I have had the privilege of working with some of the most talented and dedicated sales associates in the industry.

While I understand the author's concerns about the sometimes-aggressive tactics used by some sales associates, I must respectfully disagree with her characterization of the profession as a whole. The art of fragrance counter sales is a highly skilled and nuanced one, requiring a deep understanding of fragrance, skin types, and personal preferences.

The best sales associates are not simply trying to make a sale; they are working to help customers find the perfect product for their individual needs. They are experts in their field, and their knowledge and expertise are invaluable to customers.

I have seen firsthand the impact that a skilled sales associate can have on a customer's shopping experience. They can make a customer feel seen, heard, and understood, and help them find a product that they may not have known they needed.

I urge readers not to judge the entire industry based on a few isolated incidents. Instead, I encourage them to seek out the many talented and dedicated sales associates who are working to make a positive difference in the lives of their customers.

Sincerely,

Leonard A. Lauder