Emily Weiss

Beauty giant Sephora has returned to the UK after nearly 20 years – by betting on AI and gen Z

Retrieved on: 
Thursday, April 18, 2024

Sephora, the French multinational retailer of personal care and beauty products, has made a comeback to the UK after an 18-year hiatus.

Key Points: 
  • Sephora, the French multinational retailer of personal care and beauty products, has made a comeback to the UK after an 18-year hiatus.
  • Back in 2005, Sephora decided to close its UK stores due to market challenges and fierce competition from homegrown retailers like Boots and Superdrug.
  • Sephora launched its online store in the UK in 2022 after acquiring Feelunique, a British online retailer.

The power of AI

  • Another factor that may have influenced Sephora’s decision is the growing power of artificial intelligence (AI) in the beauty industry.
  • Sephora has been at the forefront of this trend, leveraging AI to offer personalised skincare routines, virtual makeup try-on, and product recommendations based on individual preferences and skin types.
  • By harnessing the power of AI, Sephora may be able to provide a more engaging and tailored shopping experience to its UK customers.
  • The use of AI in beauty and fashion retail is a growing trend, with many companies recognising its potential to transform the shopping experience.

Back for good?

  • The retailer has been opening new stores in various regions, including China, Russia and the Middle East.
  • This international growth strategy could have given Sephora the confidence and resources to tackle the UK market once again.
  • But its return to the UK market after nearly 20 years is a bold move that reflects the changing dynamics of the beauty industry.


Nisreen Ameen does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

SAKARA APPOINTS JANUARY DIGITAL AS AGENCY OF RECORD, JANUARY CONSULTING TO SUPPORT MARKETING STRATEGY

Retrieved on: 
Wednesday, February 21, 2024

NEW YORK, Feb. 21, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- On the heels of announcing Glossier alum Henry Davis as its new CEO, Sakara has appointed January Consulting and January Digital as its marketing strategy firm and digital agency of record. This move comes alongside hiring a group of seasoned internal experts, including ex-Glossier General Counsel Kathryn Ordower as Chief Legal and Administrative Officer, and technology expert Brian Buchanan as Chief Technology Officer.

Key Points: 
  • That is never more true than our decision to work with the teams at January Digital and January Consulting."
  • The combined January Digital and January Consulting teams will be tasked with reigniting Sakara's approach to paid media and marketing.
  • "We are thrilled to be partnering with Henry and the entire Sakara team," said Vic Drabicky, Founder and CEO of January Digital and January Consulting.
  • January Consulting began working with Sakara in late 2023 while January Digital took over agency of record duties at the beginning of the year.

Wildfire Systems' Rewards Platform Drives Nearly $600 Million in Online Purchases in 2023 for Merchants in Over 50 Countries

Retrieved on: 
Tuesday, December 12, 2023

SAN DIEGO, Dec. 12, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Wildfire Systems Inc., an innovative financial technology platform that powers white label loyalty programs, today announced that consumers initiated more than 50 million online shopping journeys on its platform in 2023, leading to nearly $600 million in e-commerce sales. Wildfire exceeded company growth projections, attributing its rapid expansion to establishing new partnerships with financial services providers looking to add new revenue streams and additional value added services and benefits for their customers as they seek relief from rising prices.

Key Points: 
  • SAN DIEGO, Dec. 12, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Wildfire Systems Inc., an innovative financial technology platform that powers white label loyalty programs, today announced that consumers initiated more than 50 million online shopping journeys on its platform in 2023, leading to nearly $600 million in e-commerce sales.
  • Wildfire's focus on platform innovation in 2023 allowed the company to provide additional value to its clients.
  • Expanding its enterprise, bank-grade platform: Wildfire continued to fortify its platform to meet the needs of partners within highly regulated, exacting industries.
  • Platform enhancements: Wildfire continued to innovate its white label shopping rewards platform with features that enable clients to delight their end users.

GET READY: MORE LUCKY F*CK ENERGY IS ON THE WAY

Retrieved on: 
Thursday, November 30, 2023

AUSTIN, Texas, Nov. 30, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- LUCKY F*CK, the better-for-you energy drink company that makes products to motivate people to defy the odds and keep going, announced today the close of a $4M seed funding round led by Imaginary Ventures. The investment will be used to accelerate its growth across Texas and California, increase production, and expand its best-in-class team. This marks the first energy drink investment for Imaginary, which has invested in other category-leading consumer brands such as Skims, Daily Harvest, and Glossier. In addition, the company announced the expansion of its board and deal with Heimark Distributing, a respected partner of Anheuser-Busch and other beverage brands.

Key Points: 
  • The investment will be used to accelerate its growth across Texas and California, increase production, and expand its best-in-class team.
  • This marks the first energy drink investment for Imaginary, which has invested in other category-leading consumer brands such as Skims, Daily Harvest, and Glossier.
  • In addition, the company announced the expansion of its board and deal with Heimark Distributing, a respected partner of Anheuser-Busch and other beverage brands.
  • To learn more about LUCKY F*CK, visit www.luckybevco.com and follow on social media @luckyfckenergy.

Innovative Brand Strategist Eric Mastalir Joins SponsorUnited as Senior Vice President of Brand Partnerships

Retrieved on: 
Thursday, August 3, 2023

STAMFORD, Conn. , Aug. 3, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- SponsorUnited, the leading global sports and entertainment intelligence platform, delivering actionable data and insights to build stronger marketing partnerships, is pleased to announce the expansion of its executive leadership team with the hiring of Eric Mastalir as the Senior Vice President (SVP) of Brand Partnerships. Mastalir will orchestrate and enhance all operations related to brand revenue. His responsibilities include overseeing brand sales, customer acquisition and retention, and fostering strategic collaboration across product, data and marketing, to align with the overarching objective of bolstering the growth of SponsorUnited's brand platform. 

Key Points: 
  • Mastalir will orchestrate and enhance all operations related to brand revenue.
  • His responsibilities include overseeing brand sales, customer acquisition and retention, and fostering strategic collaboration across product, data and marketing, to align with the overarching objective of bolstering the growth of SponsorUnited's brand platform.
  • Engaging with executive-level decision makers at potential partner companies, Mastalir will strive to establish partnerships with the most recognizable brands in every vertical.
  • "Eric exemplifies these qualities, and he stands out with his proven success in driving revenue growth, coupled with his innovative and strategic approach.

Glossier's 2023 Grant Program for Black-Owned Beauty Businesses now accepting applications

Retrieved on: 
Wednesday, March 22, 2023

NEW YORK, March 22, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Glossier's vision is to change the way the world sees beauty — and the brand aims to do that by helping change the beauty industry itself. As part of Glossier's continued investment in diversity, equity, and inclusion in beauty (and beyond), the brand announces the launch of its third Grant Program for Black-Owned Beauty Businesses, committing $300,000 and doubling down on mentorship provided by Glossier team members, towards six visionary businesses in the U.S.

Key Points: 
  • Since the Grant Program's inception in 2020, Glossier has been honored and humbled to partner with 30+ founders leading 26 innovative beauty brands.
  • There's a strong track record of success, with Grant Program alumni like Range Beauty , Young King , and Luna Magic appearing on Shark Tank, and Skimdo winning an Allure Best of Beauty Award.
  • Submission criteria includes:
    Business Plan: Your plans for business growth and how Glossier's Grant Program will help you achieve your goals.
  • UK Black Beauty Business Owners: Next month, the Grant Program will expand into the UK market, in partnership with Black Girl Fest (sign up for updates ).

Glossier Announces C-Suite Appointment and Leadership Promotions

Retrieved on: 
Tuesday, March 14, 2023

NEW YORK, March 14, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Glossier is advancing their mission to change how the world sees beauty. Over the past year, the brand has built and implemented a successful omnichannel strategy with the goal of bringing Glossier to more people. The products are now available in 600 Sephora stores and Sephora.com across the United States and Canada, as well as in 9 owned experiential retail locations and on Glossier.com. People and community building are at the heart of Glossier and in recognition of supporting the next phase of growth, the brand announces the expansion of their diverse and all women executive leadership team with several key appointments at the c-suite level. 

Key Points: 
  • Over the past year, the brand has built and implemented a successful omnichannel strategy with the goal of bringing Glossier to more people.
  • People and community building are at the heart of Glossier and in recognition of supporting the next phase of growth, the brand announces the expansion of their diverse and all women executive leadership team with several key appointments at the c-suite level.
  • 2023 will be a transformational year for Glossier and these appointments position the brand for market opportunities.
  • "Glossier is a generation-defining brand on year 9 of a 100-year trajectory," said Kyle Leahy, CEO of Glossier.

Diana Murphy and Vanessa Wittman to Join AIG’s Board of Directors

Retrieved on: 
Monday, February 27, 2023

American International Group, Inc. (NYSE: AIG) today announced that its Board of Directors has elected Diana Murphy and Vanessa Wittman as independent Directors of the company, effective March 16, 2023.

Key Points: 
  • American International Group, Inc. (NYSE: AIG) today announced that its Board of Directors has elected Diana Murphy and Vanessa Wittman as independent Directors of the company, effective March 16, 2023.
  • “Diana and Vanessa have extensive and diverse executive and board experience, and we are delighted that they will join the AIG Board,” said Peter Zaffino, Chairman & Chief Executive Officer, AIG.
  • “Diana brings significant business acumen, a track record of leading complex companies through strategic and organizational change, and a deep commitment to community service.
  • Ms. Wittman currently serves as a Director and Chair of the Audit Committee of both Booking Holdings, Inc. and Oscar Health, Inc.

Glossier Launches in Sephora US + Canada

Retrieved on: 
Thursday, February 23, 2023

"Glossier is built on community, and Sephora is not only an iconic global retailer but also embodies our commitment to community," said Kyle Leahy, Glossier Chief Executive Officer.

Key Points: 
  • "Glossier is built on community, and Sephora is not only an iconic global retailer but also embodies our commitment to community," said Kyle Leahy, Glossier Chief Executive Officer.
  • We can't wait to welcome our community into Sephora, to experience Glossier amongst a plethora of beauty and skincare brands.
  • We look forward to helping to usher in this new chapter for Glossier and officially welcome them to our Sephora community."
  • Glossier x Sephora is our first-ever retail relationship that extends across Sephora stores in the United States and Canada.

Sephora Canada welcomes highly-anticipated beauty brand Glossier through first-ever retail partnership

Retrieved on: 
Thursday, February 16, 2023

On February 23, 2023, Canadians can shop the iconic brand on Sephora.ca, the Sephora App and in most Sephora stores across the country.

Key Points: 
  • On February 23, 2023, Canadians can shop the iconic brand on Sephora.ca, the Sephora App and in most Sephora stores across the country.
  • The launch of Glossier at Sephora Canada represents the brand's first retail partnership, and the first time ever that Canadian clients will be able to shop Glossier's range of makeup, skincare, and fragrance directly from a retailer in Canada.
  • "As Canada's leading beauty retailer, we knew Sephora was the perfect home for Glossier", says Kyle Leahy, CEO of Glossier.
  • We can't wait for long-time lovers of Glossier and newcomers to the brand to discover all Glossier has to offer at Sephora Canada, extending our reach to their loyal clients".