Sephora is significantly increasing its presence in the UK with plans to open 20 new stores, marking a major expansion of its physical retail footprint.
- The expansion aims to double Sephora’s size in the UK, demonstrating confidence in the country’s retail sector.
- The CEO, Guillaume Motte, believes the favourable competition landscape will ensure the brand’s success.
- The new stores will be complemented by an expanded online channel to reach more UK customers.
- Sephora’s recent re-entry into the UK market reflects its commitment to growing its physical retail after initial success.
Sephora is making a bold move by planning to expand with 20 additional stores in the UK, as reported by The Times. This initiative is aimed at doubling the brand’s presence in the region. Guillaume Motte, the CEO, has laid out this ambitious plan as part of a strategy to reinforce Sephora’s physical and online retail operations.
The CEO is optimistic about the brand’s future in the UK due to a more favourable competition landscape compared to when the brand previously attempted to establish itself in the market. “We’re probably looking in the next two to three years to have at least 20 stores in the UK,” Guillaume Motte stated, highlighting the company’s forward-thinking strategy.
Currently, Sephora operates six stores in the UK, having re-entered the market last year. Their upcoming store in Liverpool One, spanning 6,727 sq ft, is set to open in the spring, offering their own-brand collection alongside popular names like Rare Beauty and Makeup by Mario.
In August, Sephora disclosed plans for another store at Kent’s Bluewater shopping centre, set to commence operations this winter. This marks the seventh location since relaunching in the UK in 2022, after a notable absence since 2005, when the brand closed its six outlets.
Sephora’s determined return to physical retailing in the UK indicates its strong commitment to capturing the market and adapting to consumer demand for in-store experiences, along with enhanced online shopping options.
Sephora’s strategic expansion into the UK underscores its commitment to a robust market presence and enhanced customer engagement.
