Editors' Top Reads: News from M&S, GHD, Dr Mica Engel, BIBBI and more...
Here are some of this week’s news and features highlights handpicked by TheIndustry.beauty team.
M&S unveils revamped Sparks loyalty programme
It’s no secret to anyone who knows me just how much I rate M&S. From food to fashion, I think the retail giant is absolutely killing it. However, if you’d asked me up until recently what I thought could be improved (and honestly, there isn’t much), I probably would’ve pointed to the Sparks card. Like many people, I viewed it as an underwhelming platform with a couple of useful discounts. Well, that’s changed...
The Sparks programme has been relaunched - and this time it’s introducing something people have been asking for: monetary rewards. At the heart of the update is a new digital Sparks wallet, which allows customers to earn rewards in real monetary value. These can be used across the full Marks & Spencer range, including food, fashion, home and beauty, and spent whenever you like - whether that’s on everyday essentials or saved for something special like Christmas.
Alongside this, M&S has introduced a redesigned Sparks hub within its app, bringing all personalised offers into one place. These deals are tailored not only to past purchases, but also to customer preferences - so the offers feel more relevant each time you open the app.
M&S describes this as just the first step in an ongoing evolution of the Sparks programme, hinting at further developments to come.
Customer retention and loyalty are increasingly critical in today’s highly competitive retail landscape, and I believe this could be a game-changer for M&S, which already holds a significant share of the market. As if I needed any more encouragement to visit in store, I’m off to try the new loyalty programme for myself...
To find out more, read our coverage here.
Sophie Smith, News Editor & Senior Writer.
Augustinus Bader unveils first body SPF with new skincare-driven launch
I think the expansion of Augustinus Bader's sun protection range into body SPF says a lot about the health of the sun care beauty market. With more awareness of skin cancer and the cosmetic damage that long sun exposure can have on the skin, consumers have become more discerning in their sun care regime.
While there has been a lot of innovation for face sunscreen, such as the recent launch of Supergroup's Mineral Glowscreen Drops for example - I have not personally seen so much innovation when it comes to sunscreen for the body.
Reading Bader's description of the capabilities of its new body sun protection, I can't help but think that it could just as well be a description for the face: "[it] shows visible improvements in concerns such as fine lines, uneven tone and redness, as well as a reduction in the appearance of damage linked to environmental stressors." It looks like consumers are starting to expect that the products they use on their body are treated with the same clinical rigour as the ones for their face - suggesting there is a huge market opportunity for brands to tap into.
Camilla Rydzek, Senior News & Features Writer.
The Interview: GHD UK boss Liz Griffiths on 25 years of innovation and the future of hair tools
GHD was founded in the UK in 2001 when three hairdressers reimagined a Korean straightening iron as a salon-quality tool for everyday use. The brand quickly became known for its sleek design and high-performance styling, with its hair straighteners becoming a defining product within its portfolio.
Since then, GHD’s success has been driven by continuous innovation and its “science-meets-salon” philosophy, which has helped it maintain a leading position in the premium hair tools market.
As it celebrates its 25th anniversary this year, GHD is focused on expanding into new product categories, strengthening its digital and direct-to-consumer experiences, and continuing to innovate to shape the next generation of at-home, salon-quality styling.
In the UK, the brand is led by Managing Director Liz Griffiths, who is soon to take on the role of Chief Growth Officer in July. Overseeing one of GHD’s largest markets, she reflects on the brand’s sustained success, the key shifts shaping the hair and beauty industry, how GHD is responding to these changes, and how it is marking this milestone year.
Sophie Smith, News Editor & Senior Writer.
The Interview: Dr Mica Engel of Cosmetica London on creating balance in aesthetics, skincare, business and life
Dr Mica Engle is a Brazilian doctor turned aesthetician and her practice in Balham, South London may be a long way from the capital's aesthetic hotbed of Harley Street, but that doesn't mean it isn't at the cutting edge in its field.
Among other things, the clinic is currently pioneering body sculpting technology TruSculpt, which unlike other treatments heats the fat and melts it, rather than freezing it. Dr Mica has chosen the technology for its more even results and combines treatments with manual lymphatic drainage to amplify results. (Full disclosure, I had my stomach zapped with it and will report back after the requisite 12 weeks on the results!).
This combination of technology and traditional practices is what makes Dr Mica stand out from the pack. She also has an incredibly effective yet gentle skin and body care line called D.E.N., which is further evidence of her balanced approach to beauty, business and life in general.
She is a fascinating woman with an enormous amount of knowledge of the field and of what is to come. Get to know more about her in this exclusive interview.
Lauretta Roberts, Co-founder, CEO and Editor-in-Chief.
UK becomes BIBBI’s leading market outside EU as it expands retail footprint with Harrods and Space NK
Anyone who knows me, knows I am a fragrance-head. Mix this with my love of Founder-led brands and retail and you've got my attention.
When the BIBBI team reached out to me with the news of its UK retail expansion (and what an expansion it is), I was overjoyed to read that finally, UK retailers were getting behind the brand. Kudos to Liberty of course, which was an early supporter and now retail giants Harrods and Space NK have added the brand to its assortment of market leading fragrances.
To celebrate the Harrods launch, BIBBI has released a new fragrance, Deep Lotus which will be available at the store throughout April, and then roll out globally to other stockists in May.
I spoke BIBBI's Founder Stina Seger to get her views on the UK market and for an update on her business today.
Antony Hawman, Co-founder & Chief Partnerships Officer.
