Editors' Top Reads: Estée Lauder, Grown Alchemist, anatomē and more...
Here are some of this week’s news and features highlights handpicked by TheIndustry.beauty team.
Grown Alchemist opens debut UK flagship in London's Soho
Grown Alchemist has opened in London's Soho, marking the brand's first flagship outside of Australia and an exciting chapter in its global growth. A short walk from our office, I had the pleasure of visiting the new store ahead of its opening today, 15 November, and it certainly doesn't disappoint!
The new flagship promises to deliver a luxe skincare experience centred around advanced biotech-based skin and body care formulas. It features the brand's full product line-up, as well as bespoke skincare consultations and exclusive treatments. Each detail has been carefully considered, from the NASA Clean Air Approved plants to the central discovery space for product exploration, supported by an interactive skin diagnostic that offers personalised recommendations.
Previously owned by L'Occitane Group, Grown Alchemist was taken private earlier this year by Andre Hoffmann, the Vice Chairman and former CEO of L'Occitane International SA, with CEO Anna Teal named as a minority shareholder. Since then, it's certainly been full stream ahead for Teal and her team, with further expansion on the horizon - helping the Australian skincare brand to thrive, not just survive.
Sophie Smith, News Editor & Senior Writer.
Estée Lauder Companies named new UK&I General Manager
When Estée Lauder Companies, arguably one of the biggest players in the beauty game, makes an announcement, you stop and listen. Plus, this week's was a biggie.
On Wednesday, the company - which owns Le Labo, MAC Cosmetics, Jo Malone London and Bobbi Brown, to name a few - announced Pernilla Nyberg as its new Senior Vice President and General Manager in the UK and Ireland. She will replace Sue Fox, who will retire next year.
Nyberg is more than qualified for the position, boasting a background in finance, strategy, marketing, and enterprise-wide transformation. Plus, she previously held a leadership role in the UK&I from 2012 to 2016, as Vice President, Regional CFO and Strategy Leader, before being promoted and relocating to New York.
The news came after Estée Lauder shared a message from the Lauder family, addressing its declining sales as it looks to bring the firm back to profitable growth. We await to see how Nyberg plans to invigorate the business when she returns to the UK and takes on her new role in 2025.
Chloé Burney, Senior News & Features Writer.
The Interview: Brendan Murdock of anatomē on building a brand and achieving balance
Wellness is booming right now, but it wasn't when pioneer in the space Brendan Murdock started out. Having established a successful men's grooming brand (again ahead of its time), Murdock went on to establish anatomē, a modern apothecary to help customers achieve balance in their lives.
Anatomē's cornerstone has been assuring customers get a good night's sleep and as someone who maybe only achieves that a couple of times a month, I salute him. Of course, there is more to the brand than that, with a new range of skincare having just launched and a beautiful selection of fragrances. A pop-up is also planned for Battersea Power Station this winter too, for those that want to experience the brand IRL and can't get to its Marylebone store (but if you can, you should).
It was a pleasure learning more about Mudock's ethos and business. You can find out more in our in-depth interview here.
Lauretta Roberts, Co-founder, CEO and Editor-in-Chief.
John Lewis Christmas ad stars sister in last-minute dash back in time
It's no secret that John Lewis knows how to create a memorable advert - it wouldn't have such a big reputation for it otherwise. In fact, the launch of its highly anticipated Christmas ad each year has embedded itself in UK festive culture, with so many still remembered to this day.
This year's Christmas ad takes a trip down memory lane, following a woman frantically buying a last-minute gift for her sister. Revealed yesterday, the advert opens with heroine Sally running into the retailer’s Oxford Street flagship store - the first time a John Lewis store has appeared in its Christmas ad - 15 minutes before closing time.
Falling through a rack of dresses, she steps into the attic of her childhood home and begins a journey through her memories of growing up with her sister as she searches for a thoughtful present. Returning to reality, Sally meets her sister outside the store with her wrapped gift, and as they walk away her sister is reflected in the John Lewis window as the child from her memories, finishing with the strapline: "The secret to finding the perfect gift? Knowing where to look".
Watch the full ad here, and if one isn't enough, check out our round-up of the British department store's previous festive ads too!
Sophie Smith, News Editor & Senior Writer.
