From PennyBuster FWIW
If you missed USXP ... you may have the same opportunity with this little gem. There is reason to believe that RAQL is about to file
a lawsuit against Mattel (MAT) based on their latest press release. This week we are pleased to feature Raquel, Inc. (OTCBB:
RAQL), which designs and markets cosmetics, skin care, and fragrances under the brand name "Raquel of Beverly Hills". OTCBB:
RAQL traded as high as $.28 as recently as the beginning of July, and then receeded to a low of $.051 on 9/10/10. The stock
appears to be rebounding now as With recent announcements of both a new Vice President, and an acquisition, this company looks
exciting. ABOUT THE COMPANY RAQL's cosmetics are unique in that they are designed for a niche market: golden-skinned
consumers, which include Hispanics, Asians, and Mediterraneans. Since Raquel, Inc.'s major focus is on Hispanics, (A market
under-served by the larger cosmetic companies) the company has received much recognition in that market. Raquel Zepeda, CEO
and founder was recently written up as "a pioneer" in this market segment by Latinolink.com. Beautybuzz.com, an independent
cosmetics critiquing website, gave the products very good reviews. Latina Magazine, the foremost fashion magazine for Latina
women has written up RAQL twice. Additionally, the line was used for a movie, "Mambo Cafe" which is targeted to the Latino
market, featuring actors such as Paul Rodriguez, Rosana DeSoto, and Thalia. ABOUT THE MARKET While the product line is
very well accepted, RAQL's greatest challenge has been lack of distribution. RAQL now plans to increase sales directly and
aggressively expand through network/multi-level marketing. According to the Direct Selling Association, in 1999 US Retail Sales
were equivalent to $24.5 billion. Personal care represented 24.9% or $6.11 billion dollars. In comparison, according to NPD Beauty
Trends cosmetics sales in department stores was $6.5 billion in 1999. Leaders in this industry such as Avon and Jafra reported
earnings of $1.343 billion and $76.6 million, respectively for the third quarter of 2000. Mary Kay cosmetics, another leader in the
cosmetics direct sales market, claims to be the "best seller" of cosmetics overall. However, since it is a privately-held company, no
data is available. Beauticontrol Cosmetics, another direct sales company, reported $14.7 million is sales for the third quarter. THE
COMPANYS FUTURE By implementing its marketing plan, RAQL projects sales exceeding $80 million within 5 years. This
represents slightly over 1% of its focus market in the U.S. and Latin America. The U.S. Hispanic cosmetics market is estimated to
be 1.6 billion, and the Latin American market is estimated to be over $5.9 billion, totaling $7.5 billion. RAQL further anticipates a
market share of non-Hispanic, golden-skinned consumers such as Asians, Mediterraneans and some Europeans. RECENT NEWS
DEVELOPMENTS Raquel, Inc. Battles Over 'Think Blots' Tradename BEVERLY HILLS, Calif., Oct. 1 /PRNewswire/ -- Raquel,
Inc. (OTC Bulletin Board: RAQL) announced today that it has received opposition in its filing for the trademark registration of
Think Blots(TM) by Rainmaker Development Corporation ("Rainmaker") (Opposition No. 122,459). Rainmaker makes the "Think
Blot" board game which uses ink blot art and is distributed by Mattel. Raquel Zepeda, President of Raquel, Inc., created Think Blot
greeting cards in 1987, which incorporate ink blot art and a "game" within each of its greeting cards. On February 3, 1988, Ms.
Zepeda received a registered copyright from the United States Library of Congress No.VAu 126 719. This copyright predates
Rainmaker's use of "Think Blot" by eight years. Ms. Zepeda stated, "We are now reviewing copyright and trademark laws regarding
protection and remedies for infringement. I believe our registered copyright will be a determining factor regarding these remedies in
favor of Raquel, Inc." August 28, 2001 - Raquel, Inc. announced its appointment of Katrina Florez Fitt to vice president. ``We are
extremely happy to have someone of Ms. Florez Fitt's calibre join our management team,'' stated Ms. Zepeda, CEO. Ms. Florez Fitt
will be heading up operations in the Southwestern U.S. which has a large Hispanic population. Headquartered in Albuquerque, New
Mexico (505 565-8001, e-mail: raquelinc2@aol.com); she will be marketing RAQL products in New Mexico, Texas, and Arizona.
Prior to joining Raquel, Inc., Ms. Florez Fitt was founder of Fitt Environmental International, whose revenues exceeded $5 million
within two years. Additionally, Ms. Florez Fitt is a founding commissioner of the International Affairs Commission, a grant nominee
to the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University. She served on President Clinton's Sustainable Development
Council, the U.S. Mexico Chamber of Commerce founding chapter in the Pacific Northwest, the Governor Trade & Economic Task
Force and the Oregon Council for Hispanic Advancement Board of Directors. She is also a Woman in Action Chairman, a
commissioner for the Skill Center Foundation, and the Washington, US/Jalisco, Mexico, Sister State founding delegate for
international trade, as well as serving the with Metropolitan Hispano Chamber Foundation. A frequent lecturer nationally on the
relationship between business, race, gender, she has received extensive awards including the distinguished Athena Award.
September 24, 2001 - Raquel, Inc. announced today its acquisition of the unique greeting card line ``Think Blots(TM).'' According
to Ms. Raquel Zepeda, President of Raquel, Inc., Think Blots(TM) is a totally unique and entertaining concept in greeting cards.
Combining original ink blot art work with intriguing ``fun and flirtatious'' dialogue, Think Blots are great tools for dating -- so if
you're shy, try sending a Think Blot(TM). In addition, the company will be introducing Demented Diagnosis©, a ``mental test'' for
the advertising campaign. Through the Demented Diagnosis© ads, people will acquaint themselves with this unique concept of
self-discovery from ink blot art. You can access our Demented Diagnosis test at www.dementeddiagnosis.com. Eventually, these
ads will be placed alongside horoscopes and crossword puzzles. |
