Kiehl's facts for kids
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| Subsidiary | |
| Industry | Personal care |
| Founded | 1851 |
| Founder | John Kiehl |
| Headquarters |
3rd Avenue, Manhattan, New York City
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Area served
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Worldwide |
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Key people
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| Products | Cosmetics |
| Parent | L'Oréal |
Kiehl's LLC is an American company that sells products for skin, hair, and body care. It began as a single pharmacy in New York City in 1851. This first store was located in Manhattan at 3rd Avenue and East 13th Street.
In 2000, a large French beauty company called L'Oréal Group bought Kiehl's. By 2015, Kiehl's had 65 stores in the United States and 400 stores around the world. They also sold products in department stores, airports, and other shops. Kiehl's is known for its unique way of marketing, having many male customers, and its simple product packaging.
Kiehl's History: From Pharmacy to Skincare
How Kiehl's Started in New York
Kiehl's was founded in 1851 by John Kiehl. It started as a special pharmacy in New York City's East Village. This pharmacy focused on natural remedies.
In 1921, Irving Morse bought the store. He was a former helper who had studied how medicines work at Columbia University. Irving Morse helped create many Kiehl's products that are still popular today. These include Blue Astringent Herbal Lotion and Creme de Corps.
The Morse Family's Leadership
Irving's son, Aaron Morse, took over the store in the 1960s. Aaron also studied at Columbia University and was a pilot in World War II. He helped Kiehl's become famous around the world in the 1980s. He changed the store from selling traditional medicines to focusing on skincare products. After Aaron passed away in 1995, his old desk and some of his classic motorcycles were displayed in the store.
From 1988 to 2000, Aaron's daughter, Jami Morse Heidegger, ran Kiehl's. She kept Kiehl's as a single store but sold its products in fancy retail shops. Jami helped Kiehl's earn a lot more money. She was very smart at marketing. Instead of regular ads, she used "word of mouth" (people telling others about the products) and gave away many free samples.
Kiehl's Joins L'Oréal
In April 2000, L'Oréal, a big French beauty company, bought Kiehl's. L'Oréal had wanted to buy Kiehl's for over two years. The deal happened because Kiehl's was getting so popular that it was hard to handle all the orders.
Jami Morse Heidegger, who was the president of Kiehl's at the time, said they needed a partner. This partner would help them keep up with demand and make sure products were always available. L'Oréal said they would help Kiehl's grow but keep it as a special, high-quality brand. Kiehl's also expanded to other countries.
Kiehl's Business and Unique Style
How Kiehl's Stores Grew
For the first 150 years, Kiehl's had only one store. Its products were also sold in many department stores. After L'Oréal bought the company, Kiehl's grew from one main store in Manhattan to over 30 stores. Kiehl's sales also grew a lot, from $40 million in 2000 to over $200 million in 2009. By 2016, Kiehl's sales reached $1 billion.
The Famous Stuyvesant Pear Tree
Kiehl's first store is still in the same spot where it started in 1851. This area is known as "Pear Tree Corner." It's called that because Peter Stuyvesant, an old governor of New Amsterdam (now New York), planted a pear tree there in 1667. The original tree fell in 1867. In 2003, Kiehl's helped plant a new pear tree in its place.
Today, the original Kiehl's store is a special place in the neighborhood. It has old pharmacy items in its windows. It also displays a collection of classic Harley-Davidson and Indian motorcycles inside. In 2022, Kiehl's updated its original store to honor its long history. The company also started a new campaign called "We Skincare About You Since 1851." This campaign reminds customers of their goal to provide great service.
Products and Sales Approach
Kiehl's says it spends more money on its product ingredients than many other beauty companies. At the same time, Kiehl's products are priced fairly for high-quality skincare. They are known for their simple packaging, which looks like old pharmacy bottles.
Kiehl's uses a different way to sell its products. They give away many free samples and rely on customers telling others about their products. They also use creative marketing ideas. Kiehl's has given away over 12 million samples a year. This makes up a big part of their marketing budget. They believe their products work well, so they don't need a lot of flashy ads. Donations, like giving products for charity events, also help attract customers.
At local stores, Kiehl's tries to understand each community. For example, when a new store opened in New York's Upper West Side, Kiehl's helped improve a local playground. Inside the stores, Kiehl's focuses on great customer service. Their staff wears lab coats and gets special training. They learn all about the products and how to use them.
Who Buys Kiehl's Products?
Kiehl's stores have always attracted a trendy, younger group of people. Compared to other beauty stores, Kiehl's is also known for having many male customers. About 30 to 40 percent of their customers are men. Every Kiehl's store has a motorcycle inside. This is a nod to Aaron Morse's collection of over 100 motorcycles.
According to Chris Salgardo, the president of Kiehl's USA, the motorcycles were a good way to get male customers interested in their products. In cities like New York and Los Angeles, almost half of all customers are men. Experts say Kiehl's makes skincare feel simple and fun. It doesn't feel confusing or intimidating.
Kiehl's Charitable Work
Kiehl's is also known for its charity work. Over 40 years ago, Aaron Morse wrote a statement called the "Mission of Kiehl's." It said the company wanted to help create "better citizens, better firms, and better communities."
Today, Kiehl's focuses on three main causes. These are research and prevention for AIDS, helping children, and protecting the environment. Kiehl's stores have also started hosting events to help pets find new homes. In August 2010, the company started its "Kiehl's Liferide for amfAR" (The Foundation for AIDS Research). This was a charity motorcycle ride. Chris Salgardo, the president of Kiehl's USA, led the ride. At the end, he gave $85,000 to amfAR.
Squalene Ingredient Discussion
Kiehl's has faced some questions about using an ingredient called squalene in their products. Squalene can come from shark liver. However, Kiehl's and other groups have confirmed that Kiehl's uses squalene that comes from olives in their products.
See also
In Spanish: Kiehl's para niños
