Free Friday 01/16/09

Each week we're telling viewers about events, activities and items that are free.

This week's free list:
1) Macy's, Dillard's and Saks Fifth Avenue are giving away free cosmetics on Tuesday, January 20
2) Dunkin Donuts will be handing out free Metrocards from 6:30am to 9:30am outside the 14th Street-Unionm Square train station on Tuesday, January 20

EVENT DETAILS AFTER THE JUMP...

FREE COSMETICS
Macy's, Dillard's and Saks Fifth Avenue , among other chains, will be giving away free cosmetics, skin care and perfumes on Jan. 20, as part of a five-year-old settlement involving price fixing on beauty products.

The giveaway stems from a February 2004 class action settlement filed on behalf of consumers who purchased cosmetics between May 1994 and July 2003, according to a the settlement's Web site (www.cosmeticssettlement.com). Nordstrom, Nieman Marcus and Target also were named on the suit. The retailers have claimed no wrong doing.

As part of the settlement, $175 million in cosmetics will be given away, one per person in a first-come, first serve basis. Consumers will be able to choose one item per person until supplies last. Brands include Estée Lauder, Clinique, Lancome, Clarins, Guerlain, Givenchy, Chanel, Boucheron, Cody, Calvin Klein, L'Oréal and Christian Dior.

The products involve mascara, skin care, moisturizers and fragrances, said Macy's spokeswoman Sharon Bateman. The offer will last until all of the products in a particular store are distributed.

Consumers are not required to show proof of purchase at Macy's stores, though its customers will have to sign a certification sheet acknowledging they purchased the products.
Cincinnati-based Macy's (NYSE:M) operates about 850 locations, including 40 Bloomingdale's stores.

For more information, log onto:
www.bizjournals.com/birmingham/stories/2009/01/12/daily14.html?ana=from_rss

FREE METROCARDS
Over the next month, Dunkin' Donuts is making the morning commute a little brighter for New Yorkers by providing free subway rides at four of Manhattan's busiest subway stations. The giveaway is a component of Dunkin's newly launched "You Kin Do It!" campaign to encourage everyday workers to keep America running during these tough times.

Dunkin' Donuts representatives will hand out free Metrocards between 6:30 am- 9:30 am on the following dates, outside these stations: 14th Street/ Union Square Station