Sephora is accelerating its expansion in the UK by planning to open 20 new stores, solidifying its physical presence.
- CEO Guillaume Motte aims to double Sephora’s size in the UK by enhancing both its physical stores and online channels.
- The retailer currently operates six UK stores, with new locations planned for Liverpool and the Bluewater shopping center.
- Sephora’s latest plans reflect a strategic re-entry into the UK market after exiting in 2005 due to market challenges.
- The company is optimistic about its growth prospects, believing the current competitive landscape is more favorable.
Sephora is taking significant steps to strengthen its footprint in the UK with plans to open 20 new stores. The retailer’s CEO, Guillaume Motte, has laid out an ambitious strategy aimed at doubling the brand’s presence within the country. According to Motte, the company seeks to expand not only through new store openings but also by enhancing its online platform.
Currently, Sephora operates six stores across the UK. These existing locations are expected to be complemented by new stores, including a notable opening at Liverpool One. The 6,727 square foot Liverpool store is set to launch in the coming spring, featuring Sephora’s own-brand products alongside popular lines such as Rare Beauty and Makeup by Mario.
In addition to Liverpool, another new store is confirmed to open at the Bluewater shopping center in Kent this winter. These openings are part of Sephora’s broader strategy to establish a robust brick-and-mortar presence, reversing its previous exit from the UK market in 2005. This departure was attributed to market struggles, but the current environment appears more promising to the retailer.
Sephora initially re-entered the UK market in 2022, starting with a location at Westfield Stratford. This strategic move marked the brand’s return to physical retail in the country, which had been absent for nearly two decades. The company expresses confidence in its renewed UK strategy, citing an improved competitive landscape that offers better opportunities for success.
Sephora’s expansion into the UK with 20 new stores signifies its commitment to capturing market share within a favorable competitive environment.
