Helene Curtis Industries, Inc.

Helene Curtis Industries, Inc. was a cosmetics and beauty parlor products[1] firm which was based in Chicago, Illinois. The company acquired a hair-coloring line by the acquisition of a competitor business. Later the retailer diversified into the field of personal care products, manufacturing Degree among other items.[2]

Corporation history

In March 1948 Kraft Foods purchased property owned by Helene Curtis Industries, Inc., to use for its offices and warehouses.[3] In 1961 Helene Curtis Industries began to challenge Avon in the field of door-to-door cosmetics sales.[4]

The hair care products were acquired by Unilever.

In contract law, the company is known for the 1963 case, Helene Curtis Industries, Inc. v. United States, in which the Superior knowledge doctrine was born.

In 1998 the beauty manufacturer had a production site in Rolling Meadows, Illinois.[5]

References

  1. ^ Helene Curtis Buys Colorado Agriculture Equipment Firm, Wall Street Journal, May 26, 1952, pg. 14.
  2. ^ Mennen Puts Toiletries Firm On The Block, Wall Street Journal, November 12, 1991, pg. 3.
  3. ^ Kraft Foods Buys Chicago Property of Helene Curtis, Wall Street Journal, March 16, 1948, pg. 4.
  4. ^ Brawl Over Beauty, Wall Street Journal, August 21, 1961, pg. 1.
  5. ^ Its The Hair, Stupid, New York Times, November 1, 1998, pg. SM62.