Free Cosmetic Samples Lead To Complaints in Santa Barbara

The reputation of businesses that sell cosmetics containing specs of gold are being tarnished by critics of their sales tactics.

Merchants have filed complaints with the city of Santa Barbara. They said employees are standing outside their doorways and giving away samples in an aggressive fashion.

One business owner, who wishes to remain anonymous, said, “Locals don’t want to come downtown, visitors are being harassed. I feel it really gives a bad impression of Santa Barbara and changes the atmosphere on State Street.”

Gold Elements on State street locked up and chose not to comment about complaints the city attorney is now looking into.

Santa Barbara City Attorney Ariel Calonne said, “The concern is the impact on neighboring businesses. We have had several come forward about how their business had been driven down.”

Calonne said, “It is illegal in Santa Barbara to peddle or sell on the street.”

Merchants said they are also concerned the foreign employees handing out samples are being exploited.

The city attorney plans to meet with police next week to look into code enforcement options.