Estee Lauder Expands Presence In China, Launches Online Outlets

Estee Lauder plans to open more retail outlets in China, adding five more cities to the 38 it currently has. It also indicated it will launch ecommerce channels in the country which is now the world's third-largest market for cosmetics and toiletries.  Estee Lauder's sales grew 13 percent in 2010, with China accounting for a large part of the jump in sales. Chinese consumers no longer look at cosmetics as luxury items are and increasingly are able to purchase a wide range of products in the country rather than overseas. The market is increasingly competitive and other cosmetics companies are expected to follow Estee Lauder's move.