Sephora is to launch in the UK, building on its acquisition last year of Feelunique.
The current Feelunique website will move to sephora.co.uk on October 17. Through the website and its mobile app, Sephora promises to offer UK shoppers new direct access to its range of make-up, fragrance, skincare, haircare and wellness products.
That includes exclusive UK access to brands including Tarte Cosmetics, Makeup by Mario, GXVE by Gwen Stefani and Skinfix, as well as its own Sephora Collection. Shoppers will also be able to buy Sephora’ advent calendars from launch.
Sephora, part of the LMVH group, will follow up by opening a Sephora shop in London next spring, enabling multichannel services, in-store advice and experiences.
Chris de Lapuente, chairman and chief executive of Paris-based Sephora, says: “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. 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.
“We will offer British consumers a pioneering selection of beauty that is best in class for innovation, diversity and inclusion. The UK is home to a dynamic beauty and wellbeing market that Sephora will aim to surprise and delight through our trademark know how and creativity. Our passionate team cannot wait to serve and inspire UK customers under the Sephora brand.”
The move comes just over a year after Sephora bought Feelunique as a first step into the UK market. Feelunique, founded in 2005 by Aaron Chatterly and Richard Scheissl, saw high demand during the pandemic when shoppers moved online to buy beauty products. It launched a marketplace last year that enabled brands to sell via the Feelunique website and helped to expand its range to more than 35,000 products. A holding message on the Sephora.co.uk website currently says the change will mean “keeping everything you love about Feelunique and giving you all the added benefits of Sephora.” It promises free delivery and returns on orders over £20, annual next-day delivery for £9.95 and VIP rewards.
