It is with such a sad heart that I bring you this news today, as it marks the true end of an era. But before you start clutching your Lip Smackers, there's a little light at the end of the tunnel...
Many thanks to @BeautyandBiz_Mon on Twitter for letting me know about this news. Here are a few excerpts from some news articles that sum up what's going on:
Bonne Bell has announced it is closing its manufacturing and distribution facility in Westlake and plans to lay off 91 employees.
Markwins International announced Thursday it had bought Bonne Bell and Lip Smacker, the company's popular brand of lip glosses marketed to girls and young ladies.
Bonne Bell will change its name to the Bell Family Brands.
Bonne Bell still owns the Formula Ten-Oh-Six skin care brand, and Bonne Bell's distribution affiliate, Aspire Brands, will continue to distribute Lip Smackers in Europe, Australia and Asia.
From Cleveland.com:
The Bonne Bell Co. announced in a press release that California-based Markwins International Corp. has entered into an agreement to acquire Aspire Brands assets Bonne Bell and Lip Smacker.
"Markwins has a proven track record of creating excitement and bringing innovation to the cosmetic category," said Jess "Buddy" Bell, Jr., founder of Aspire Brands. "They will bring the same excitement and innovation to the Lip Smacker and Bonne Bell brands. I am excited about the future of the Lip Smacker and Bonne Bell brands under Markwins ownership."
What do you think of this news? Are you curious to see what will remain the same and what might change?
Thanks again, @BeautyandBiz_Mon, for the tip about this news.
Awww, sad news indeed. My sister and I always received a set of lip smackers each Christmas. They came in a candy cane shaped tube. There was a point when I had one stashed everywhere....coat pockets, nightstand, handbag. The last one I bought was the jumbo sized Dr. Pepper. I have faith that Markwins will take good care of the brand.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you. That's what is keeping me from totally freaking out and stockpiling all my favorites right now. I feel that since the acquisition of PF, things have only gotten more exciting for that brand. So I have high hopes they'll do the same here.
DeleteI wonder if colorandflavorshop.com will also go out of business. That's where they sell all the Bonne Bell heritage stuff you can't get in stores anymore, and I go there to stock up on my Gel Blushes (loved those since the 80's!). Guess it's time to buy a bunch just in case!
ReplyDeleteI'm guessing (and this is only a guess) that site will no longer serve the US since it is run by Aspire and, according to news outlets, Aspire is only going to handle distribution in Europe, Asia and Australia. But let's hope that Markwins will continue the legacy and continue to produce those harder-to-find gems, right?
DeleteI figured something was up because I was at Meijer today and the entire display of BB was on clearance. I just figured that maybe Meijer was just not going to carry it anymore. So now this is why. Truly sad news for us gals who grew up in the 70s using their beloved Lipsmackers. So many good memories of receiving new flavors of Lipsmackers for Xmas. I remember when they came out with one called "Piece of Cake". That was awesome. And, of course, the wonderful Dr. Pepper Lipsmacker. Really sad too about all the people being laid off. I'm Going through lay offs at my job and it is pretty devastating. I understand what you're saying about Markwins taking over the reigns, but they are already changing the name, so in one way, Bonne Bell - and the memory associated with the name - is dead. RIP Bonne Bell. :(
ReplyDeleteOh nooooo!!! Lipsmackers is what started me on my makeup journey!!!! And then when I was "older" (like 16) I was obsessed with bonne bell's lip glosses ... I had this mocha one that was amazing..and I almost always wore their clear gloss that smelled like peppermint. Omg must go buy all the lipsmackers now!!
ReplyDeleteHonestly I still love lip smackers so my heart raced a little when I saw the head line lol but since markwins is taking over smackers I'm actually pretty excited! I love wet n wild so I think they'll do well...I am a little bummed bonne bell is closing though...but the new owners are a pretty bright light at the end of the tunnel for me. I am sorry for everyone that lost their jobs though.
ReplyDeleteI used to use their gloss that smelled like a latte. It was the best pink brown.
ReplyDeleteYou're right, this is sad news, but also kind of exciting that a company like Markwins bought them rather than them just going out of business completely. It'll be interesting to see what they do with it...
ReplyDeleteThis makes me sad. I grew up with Bonne Bell and 10-0-6. I still think the Lip Smackers are the best inexpensive lip glosses -- light, not waxy, and smell good too. I think I WILL stock up!
ReplyDeleteI still buy Lip Smackers, although the last two Dr Pepper ones I bought tasted/smelled a little off - more like Coke than DP. And now that I'm in nostalgia mode, I want an orange one. Looks like I'm off to Target today...
ReplyDeleteDon't forget Markwins owns or at least produces CK Cosmetics too.
ReplyDeleteI assume they'll be getting rid of everything with old packaging soon, so at least I'll be able to stock up for cheap just in case they get rid of any of the LipSmackers flavors I love.
ReplyDeleteI haven't bought Bonne Bell so much these past few years because I prefer Burt's Bees and EOS, but I buy them when I see a pack of Disney Princess-themed ones or, this past Halloween at Claire's, Disney Villains!
ReplyDeleteI grew up with these, and I'm also a Bonn(i)e! Truly sad news!!