Turning to the Middle East, our brands are being introduced into the most fashionable venues. La Mer launched The Moisturizing Gel Cream with a VIP cruise in Dubai, and we also launched the brand in Israel.

A WORLD OF OPPORTUNITY

Our global growth continues in more established markets, as well. In North America, which accounted for slightly more than 45 percent of sales in fiscal 2008, we are working with department stores to improve the in-store customer experience. Initiatives such as the "Clinique Experience," which focuses on consumer satisfaction at the Clinique counter, deliver innovative ways to better serve our shared consumer. The Spring 2008 Clinique North American Gift Promotion showed notable gains, specifically with Macy's and Dillard's department stores. Department stores in North America contribute 30 percent of our sales.

A "world tour" of our international growth initiatives in Europe shows progress on countless fronts. Jo Malone opened freestanding stores in Milan's elegant Corso Magento shopping district and on the chic rue Saint-Honoré in Paris. Bobbi Brown launched in Denmark and the Czech Republic. The resurgence and expansion of many of Europe's premier department stores-such as France's Printemps, Italy's La Rinascente and Germany's Karstadt Quelle-is creating greater opportunities for many of our brands. Thanks to this expansion strategy we have experienced double-digit sales increases in Western Europe, as well as in the newer markets of Eastern Europe, in fiscal 2008.