Sephora to Reopen in the UK After 17 Years

After a year of twisted and swirled rumours, earlier this year, the comeback rumours of the French elite skincare & makeup retailing brand: Sephora in the U.K. is confirmed to be true!

The French beauty/skincare giant has maintained its global status as top-tier personal care and cosmetics provider since 1969.

In the 2000s, Sephora made its debut by opening six stores across the U.K., but shortly in 2005, it had to exit from the country. Its first official store was located in Bluewater, Kent.

Well, when the company added an option for U.K.-based shipping to its official website in 2014, fans once again purchased their favourite Sephora products. However, due to new GDPR regulations, it put pay to that in 2018 and took 17 years and a $147 million acquisition to re-enter.

Why Did Sephora Exit the UK?

In the 2000s, the LVMH-owned retailer blamed soaring rents and failed to compete with the established players.

It was undoubtedly an embarrassing climb-down of the company that entered the country with great fanfare.

What Made Sephora Re-enter the UK?

Gen-Z Influence

Social media did play a significant role in the comeback of Sephora in the UK. Many viral makeup videos on TikTok and Instagram speak about the accessibility where you get your desired cosmetics and skincare under one rooftop.

Self Love

Who isn’t a big fanatic when it comes to skincare rituals? 

Care for yourself internally and externally, especially your face, is equally important. Sephora indulges its customers by having reliable sources regarding skincare and influencing them to have a proper ritual to keep the canvas flawless.

It is undoubtedly a significant step towards the revolutionary world of cosmetics as it is usually called out how undeserved makeup is in the UK.

The comeback of the global giant wasn’t an easy win. The co-founder of FeelUnique, Aaron Chatterley, mentioned via LinkedIn that she is resigning and is happy to leave the company in the excellent hands of SEPHORA, knowing that it is safe to acknowledge that Feelunique’s creation will now become the go-to destination for beauty in the UK.

After acquiring the beauty e-tailer, the French skincare and cosmetics giant launched its website and app on October 17.

The website, paired with the new app version, will offer an extensive range of beauty products from over 1,400 brands in stock, including Drunk Elephant, Elemis, Chanel, and Rare Beauty.

The plans are so far to extend the 50 years old conglomerate, which plans to re-launch its official store in the coming spring of 2023. The location of the store is still unknown by the media.

However, when Sephora acquired FeelUnique last year, rumours swirled that Sephora would open its first store in Westfield, London but so far, it has not materialized.

The chief executive chairman Chris de Lapuente spoke about how delighted he feels to reintroduce the beauty brand back in the U.K. with a new face after Sephora’s strong demand and establishment. He also mentioned how customers will be inspired to explore and re-discover the best versions of themselves.

When Will Sephora Launch Its Website in the UK?

 Sephora’s website and app went live on October 17, 2022

When Will Sephora Open Its Retail Outlet in the UK?

Sephora intends to open a flagship store in the spring of 2023

What are the Brands Available in Sephora, UK?

Sephora will bring its own brand collection: Sephora skincare, cosmetics, and fragrance which offers an affordable yet awe-inspiring range of beauty favourites.

They will also launch The llia products – notably the super serum skin tint. As well as you will find Refy, Glow Recipe, Pat McGrath Labs, Makeup forever, JVN Hair and global favourites brands like HUDA beauty, Kylie cosmetics, Fenty by Rihanna, GXVE by Gwen Stefani, and One/Size by Patrick Starrr on the official website.

What to Expect from the Sephora App?

Customers will have the privilege of experiencing personalized service. From unique access to new arrivals to personal advice recommendations, they are making it more convenient for customers to buy from the latest beauty trends.

The Sephora app allows both IOS and android users to redeem points after every purchase from the Sephora store, both online and offline, as an exclusive Beauty Pass Member.

The app is available on the official website of Sephora.

Sephora’s main target is to acquire the central market space in the UK. The country leads the third position on cosmetic consumption in Europe after France and Germany, respectively.

Will Sephora be able to Carve Out its Own Space in the UK?

Currently, it can be estimated that Sephora will outnumber its acquired brand equity, Feelunique, which has over a 1.3million active customers.

The most strategic way for the French conglomerate to enter the market is to fill in the gap by introducing popular brands across the globe.

Previously customers didn’t get total excess to various famous brands in their neighbouring countries.

Back in 2020, when Selena Gomez introduced her makeup line, Rare Beauty, it immediately became a huge success. Its products were available all across Europe except in the UK.

Fans and influencers frowned when they realized the U.S.-based singer’s makeup line doesn’t ship its product in the UK.

Thanks to Sephora, people in the UK. Can purchase them.

Sephora Advent Calendars

Four different beauty brands were introduced by the beauty mecca to coincide with the opening of Sephora in the UK. The multi-brand advent calendar was certainly the first one. It featured 34 carefully chosen items which included cult favourites, brand-new releases, and limited-edition items.

The 24 full-sized Sephora products which are featured in the premium beauty advent calendar include lip balm, mascara, eyeshadow, and quartz rollers. Alongside this, the 24-day Sephora Collection calendar is equally excellent, and it’s perfect for those of you who haven’t tried any of the retailer’s own-brand goods and want to.

Last but not least, it is the post-Christmas calendar, which contains twelve products and carries the joy of the festive season for a whole lot longer.