Janice R. Andrews
The well-known beauty brand Sephora announced that it will be launching its fourth UK location in Newcastle. Later this year, the 6,600-square-foot new facility is expected to open in Newcastle’s Eldon Square shopping center.
Although the precise opening date is still unknown, this action is the result of a partnership between Newcastle City Council and the landlord of Eldon Square, with the goal of encouraging significant new leasing agreements in the neighborhood.
“We will continue to bolster our already strong line-up of popular brands in close collaboration with Newcastle City Council,” confirmed Pete Cooper, Director at Eldon Square. He was excited about the possibility of improving the retail environment even more.
Newcastle City Council Leader Cllr Nick Kemp reiterated these remarks, saying, “It is a vote of confidence in our city centre and a statement of intent by the retail industry.”
Sephora’s move to expand its operations outside of London in the UK highlights a strategy change in reaction to customer demand. This summer, the company’s third UK store—and its first outside of the capital—is scheduled to open in Manchester.
The Managing Director of Sephora UK, Sarah Boyd, stressed the importance of customer input in shaping the company’s expansion strategies. “Expanding our presence beyond London is something that consumers have been screaming out for, and we are listening hard to them when deciding where to go next,” she said.
The upcoming store at Manchester’s Trafford Centre was picked in particular because of the center’s lively retail scene and the volume of requests from customers.
Expectations are high for Sephora’s 2022 re-entry into the UK market following a protracted hiatus. Positive feedback from the company’s first Westfield shopping centers in London locations led to plans for additional growth.
Sephora has been contacted by Cosmetics Business to provide more information on this most recent development.
