USA: Cosmetic procedures and high-end personal shopping combine for a dream come true to some consumers
Record ID:
572947
USA: Cosmetic procedures and high-end personal shopping combine for a dream come true to some consumers
- Title: USA: Cosmetic procedures and high-end personal shopping combine for a dream come true to some consumers
- Date: 1st October 2010
- Summary: (SOUNDBITE) (English) DR. KAVEH ALIZADEH, PRESIDENT, LONG ISLAND PLASTIC SURGERY GROUP, SAYING: "Everyone wants to look better and feel better, but they feel anxious about it. So our feeling was that why don't we tap into knowing the science of retail therapy, which is if patients go and shop, or they go and buy something that makes them feel good. So just even the process of thinking about it is disarming for them. So that they don't have as much anxiety. So we said, why don't we have our center at the Americana where we know we can take advantage of the process of retail therapy. Patients are coming here to feel good and they already have less anxiety about showing up here. At the same time we can provide them with the minimally invasive procedures that will make them look good, while they're getting their shopping done. So it's just a win-win for the patients." VARIOUS OF LANDES AND HOLLANDER LOOKING AT SHOES (SOUNDBITE) (English) REBECCA HOLLANDER, MARKETING DIRECTOR, AMERICANA MANHASSET, WHO SERVED AS THE PERSONAL SHOPPER FOR CUSTOMER CAROLYN LANDES "As a woman, as a mom, as a wife, as a working mom, anything that makes better use of your time is fabulous. And we're all time pressed. So if someone can make something a little but easier in your day, that's what it's all about." VARIOUS OF HOLLANDER PICKING SHOES FOR LANDES AT THE HIRSHLEIFERS SHOE SALON HIRSHLEIFERS SHOE SALON CHANEL STORE WINDOW
- Embargoed: 16th October 2010 13:00
- Keywords:
- Location: Usa
- Country: USA
- Topics: Health,Lifestyle
- Reuters ID: LVAEZ5Q4J5WHDAV1ITATUOID9S5W
- Story Text: First came retail therapy. Now there is the option of retail-cosmetic therapy for wealthy fashionistas short on time. As they get a desired nip or tuck, they can also get their premium retail fix with the help of a personal shopper -- at least that's the idea driving a new plastic surgery practice in Manhasset, New York.
Located in Americana Manhasset, a luxury shopping mall, the Long Island Plastic Surgical Group center wants to draw in customers like Carolyn Landes, who want a quick fix to wrinkles but also need help with shopping, especially given her busy life.
On Thursday (September 30), Landes, who lives in Manhasset, walked into the center for some Botox treatment. She received Botox injections on her forehead and around her eyes from cosmetic surgeon Dr. Kaveh Alizadeh, the President of Long Island Plastic Surgical Group. But even before the Botox, Landes spent some time talking to her personal shopper for the day, Rebecca Hollander of Americana Manhasset. Landes explained that she needed shoes that would serve as Fall staples, adaptable for work but also for parties such as her stepdaughter's upcoming wedding.
Once Dr. Alizadeh was done with his handiwork, Hollander arrived in the same room with bags full of shoes from high-end shoe salon Hirschleifers. Hollander displayed boots with sturdy bottoms, over the knee leather boots, Christian Louboutin platform pumps and flats. Landes chose black Yves Saint Laurent pumps.
"I think it is a wonderful idea because coming to do cosmetic procedures can be a little daunting. This is the first time that I've done anything and you do feel a little nervous. But I'm very comfortable here at the Americana Manhasset. And being able to have someone help me shop and have something like this. You talk about retail therapy, it's sort of emotional therapy too. And my step daughter is going to be getting married and I do need some assistance with my outfit for her wedding and so it's the perfect opportunity," said Landes of her cosmetic-retail experience.
Landes said her Botox treatment would have cost her approximately $600 USD that day, but declined to say how expensive the Yves Saint Laurent pumps were. She also said her injections didn't hurt and she felt good enough to step out for some more shopping.
According to Dr. Alizadeh, his surgical center will only be used for minimally invasive cosmetic procedures such as medical grade facials, laser hair removals and injectables such as Botox. These treatments could cost anything from $100 USD for a basic facial to $1000 USD for a combination of procedures. Patients can also get consultations for more invasive surgeries. Dr. Alizadeh's idea is that while patients are here, they can use the the luxury mall's concierge services to get a personal shopper to browse stores like Versace, Chanel and dozens of others for fashion products.
"Our feeling was that why don't we tap into knowing the science of retail therapy, which is if patients go and shop, or they go and buy something that makes them feel good. So just even the process of thinking about it is disarming for them. So that they don't have as much anxiety. So we said, why don't we have our center at the Americana where we know we can take advantage of the process of retail therapy. Patients are coming here to feel good and they already have less anxiety about showing up here. At the same time we can provide them with the minimally invasive procedures that will make them look good, while they're getting their shopping done," said Dr. Alizadeh.
Hollander, who is also a Marketing Director at Americana Manhasset, thinks that the idea of combining cosmetic procedures with personal shopping services will be especially appealing to women eager to look good but very pressed on time. Landes certainly did look a happy woman on Thursday. Now the surgical center is hoping other women will bite this cosmetic-fashion bait. - Copyright Holder: REUTERS
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