Reuters Summit-Estee sees easy-on-wallet 2009 holiday items

(For other news from the Reuters Global Luxury Summit, click here)

* Estee Lauder sees 2009 holiday close to 2008

* To intensify focus on smaller sizes, affordable prices

By Aarthi Sivaraman

NEW YORK, June 9 (Reuters) - Estee Lauder Cos Inc (EL.N: Quote, Profile, Research) is working to put more affordable products, some in smaller sizes, on store shelves for the 2009 holiday season and expects seasonal sales to be similar to those of a year earlier, the cosmetics and perfume company's COO said on Tuesday.

Estee's steps are geared toward attracting cash-strapped shoppers who are seeking cheaper items in the recession but still have an affinity for their favorite makeup or skin-care products.

Speaking at the Reuters Global Luxury Summit in New York, Chief Operating Officer Fabrizio Freda said gift items for 2009 will "include all the learnings we have" from last year's holiday season.

"Some SKUs (stock keeping unit) will have a lower entry price point ... then we will have more innovation that will be focused in the area of the entry price points," Freda said.