Beauty is a bright spot on the UK high street, which has struggled in recent years with a wave of store closures and retail administrations.
From large beauty store chains like Sephora, Space NK and Superdrug expanding their presence, to newer entrants like K-Beauty experts Skin Cupid and Aroma-Zone making their debut, beauty is bucking the trend to become a must-visit destination for shoppers.
Plus brand favourites such as Charlotte Tilbury and P.Louise are going it alone with major bricks and mortar locations that place experiences at their heart.
“Beauty retail is one of the few categories still drawing people onto the high street,” Paul Archer, CEO of retail marketing company Duel, tells Cosmetics Business.
“Stores like Space NK have evolved into multi-brand discovery spaces where shoppers can test, compare and play across brands.
“That tactile, sensorial experience – the ability to feel textures, try shades, and get advice– keeps beauty stores busy even when other categories struggle.
“These retailers do not just sell products; they curate experiences that make shopping social again.
“In doing so, they help sustain neighbouring businesses and inject vitality back into retail destinations.”
Against a tougher economic backdrop, the lipstick effect has morphed into the little treats economy.
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