There are few things that scream mid-90s pre-teen more than the sugary taste of Dr. Pepper Lip Smacker lip gloss. Future generations may not have the chance to experience the rush of shiny sweetness as iconic youth cosmetic brand Bonne Bell is closing up shop and selling itself to a California company.
The Plain Dealer reports that Bonne Bell Co. is closing all manufacturing and distribution operations at a facility in Ohio after the company sold a significant portion of its business.
While the death of Bonne Bell no doubt makes the 10-year-old in all of us weep, the company isn’t exactly going away forever.
Aspire Brands, which owns the youth-based brands, has entered into an agreement in which California-based Markwins International – the owner of brands Wet ‘n Wild and Physicians Formula – will acquire the Bonne Bell and Lip Smacker brands.
It’s unclear just what Markwins plans to do with the celebrated Bonne Bell brands, but officials with the shuttering company appear to have high hopes.
“Markwins has a proven track record of creating excitement and bringing innovation to the cosmetic category,” Jess “Buddy” Bell, Jr., founder of Aspire Brands says in a statement. “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.”
For the sake of our future children and theirs, here’s to hoping that we’ll continue to see flavors like Red Raspberry, Candy Cane, Strawberry, Root Beer Float, Birthday Cake, and Dr. Pepper gracing the cosmetic shelves of the local drug store for years to come.
The Bonne Bell Co. is closing and employees will be laid off [The Plain Dealer]
by Ashlee Kieler via Consumerist