Article: May Department Stores Testing Self-Service Cosmetic Counters.

Knight Ridder/Tribune Business News

Jun. 4 -- May Department Stores Co. is experimenting with a dramatically different approach to selling fragrances and cosmetics. For once, the giant retailer is among the leaders of change, rather than following an already established trend.

The concept is called "open-sell" or "assisted sell." May doesn't like to use the word self-service, but this is a big step in that direction.

Traditionally, fragrances and cosmetics have been kept behind counters. Even if the customer knows exactly what she wants, she has to get a clerk to fetch the jar of foundation, tube of lipstick or bottle of perfume.

But ...

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