The company's products were initially specifically designed for professional make-up artists but are now sold to consumers worldwide. Long before their company history, MAC cosmetics founders directed their product line towards professionals in the beauty and fashion industry who had to rely on heavy cosmetics, cake makeup, and stage makeup to create the visual effects needed to withstand bright lighting during photo shoots.[3] MAC cosmetics can be found at department stores worldwide such as Belk, Nordstrom, Macy's and Dillard's, as well as MAC Stores. Nordstrom was the first department store in the United States to sell the product exclusively and was significant in helping the company establish a resounding financial success in the US. After a four year contract was up, MAC began expanding to other retail stores and vigorously began opening industry stores.