Sephora, the global beauty retailer owned by French luxury conglomerate LVMH, is returning to the UK market 17 years after its departure.
Last year, the firm acquired British online beauty retailer Feelunique in a deal worth around £130m. From next week, Feelunique’s website will be rebranded to Sephora.
This will be followed by the opening of a physical Sephora store in London in the spring of 2023. The chain currently has more than 2,700 across 35 countries.
Sephora previously launched in the UK in 2000 but left in 2005 after opening nine sites. Reports at the time suggested high rents and competition from Boots were the issue.
Sephora UK will offer a host of exclusive brands, such as Tarte Cosmetics, Makeup by Mario and GXVE by Gwen Stefani, alongside a wide assortment of premium beauty brands.
“At Sephora, we innovate every day to build the most loved beauty community. We are delighted to bring Sephora to the UK, responding to Britain’s strong demand for our unique prestige beauty experience,” said Sephora Chairman and Chief Executive Chris de Lapuente.
“UK customers will be encouraged to explore and discover the best versions of themselves as we support them in their beauty journey with a fantastic curation of time-tested classics and new indie brands.”
NAM Implications:
- Sephora patently feel there is potential benefit in having an On/Off shop window in the UK for prestige beauty…
- Boots less of a challenge than in 2005 (Walgreens attempts at divestment a possible indicator?)
- Retail rental becomes relative when aiming high.
- A slow, steady expansion this time around…
