It appears that significant discounting is still needed to boost sales volumes.

I think there are major risks in sales and margins when you're a middleman. More and more companies are buying direct and don't see a need for Helen of Troy. Their brands are not that powerful, ... This doesn't mean it can't bounce back. They have to be shrewd and quick to right the ship.

If you look at Helen of Troy's customer base, sales are generally strong. Wal-Mart sales are up, Target sales are up,

I think its a brilliant strategy. Make small improvements that will boost sales even 4 to 5 percent over the next few years and that could lead to a dramatic turnaround for the company,

We're just starting to see a slump in terms of sales in comparison to last year at this time.

Its comparable sales have been on a tear over the past two year, up 6 percent in 2002 and up 4 percent last year. Sales in the first-half of this year have continued to be strong, and Pink appears to be contributing to it.