Editors' Top Reads: News from REN, Space NK, Skin Rocks and more...
Here are some of this week’s news and features highlights handpicked by TheIndustry.beauty team.
Space NK owner kicks off sale process for beauty chain
It's the tale of two owners this week. Here with Space NK and Manzanita we have a fine example of what a positive acquisition can look like and, sadly, with REN Clean Skincare, we have a textbook example of why acquisitions can so often fail.
Let's start with the positive. Space NK is brilliant. It broke ground when it launched and carried on doing it until it was bought by Manzanita 20 years ago. The investor, which also owns Diptyque, clearly wasn't interested in milking the brand while slowly sapping its soul. And, in fact, I would say Manzanita owned Space NK is a more friendly and inclusive place than it was when it first launched.
It has responded really well to the threat of newcomers and returners to the market (yes, I mean Sephora) and has kept moving, innovating and investing. All the while though it has stayed true to its founding principles. I think I love it more than I ever did. I'm just hoping whoever buys it is a worthy custodian.
Lauretta Roberts, Co-founder, CEO and Editor-in-Chief.
REN Clean Skincare to cease trading after 25 years
And now for an acquisition that didn't quite work out so well. After 25 years, REN Clean Skincare, which pretty much single-handedly spearheaded a new movement in skincare when it was launched, is to close.
Established in 2000 by Rob Calcraft and Antony Buck, REN Clean Skincare was born out of a personal experience when Buck’s wife developed skin reactions during her pregnancy. The pioneering pair created the category of "clean" skincare and major retailers and consumers lapped it up. Frankly, I thought I would go to my coffin encased in Evercalm but alas it seems I will have to find an alternative to see me out.
After 10 years of Unilever ownership, the brand will cease trading. It's a familiar tale. Big company swallows up small company, small company is made to fit into the corporate processes and confines of the big company and slowly but surely all that it stood for is eroded. Having created a brand new movement in skincare, REN seems to have been obliged to stand and watch as others following in their wake, moved past them. And newcomers, inspired by their approach, came in and did it better.
I'm guessing Unilever considered all options before extinction but it saddens me that it didn't just sell it. As Manzanita and Space NK have shown, the right investor can take a unique brand and make it even better. So sad that didn't happen in this case.
Lauretta Roberts, Co-founder, CEO and Editor-in-Chief.
Skin Rocks secures investment to drive 'next phase of growth'
Skin Rocks, the skincare brand founded by Caroline Hirons, has secured investment to accelerate its product innovation, community building, and global expansion. A milestone moment for the brand, the new investment is led by consumer-focused firms Redrice Ventures and JamJar, with additional participation from Saffie Investments.
Hirons remains the majority shareholder, alongside Managing Director and fellow shareholder Alexandra Forbes, to ensure "continuity, clarity of vision, and leadership from the original founding team - helping to accelerate growth while staying true to its founding mission: skincare built on transparency, education, and results.
Renowned for supporting visionary founders and disruptive consumer brands, Redrice Ventures and JamJar boast portfolios that include Deliveroo, Wild, Yepoda, Castore, and Luna Daily. Their investment in Skin Rocks reflects a shared belief in the UK-based brand’s "distinct positioning, loyal community, and long-term potential".
Sophie Smith, News Editor & Senior Writer.
A look inside Chanel’s fragrance-themed Shoreditch pop-up
When Chanel comes calling you answer.
Chanel Beauty is calling on Londoners to ‘Take a Chance’ and head to Shoreditch to experience its purple pop-up, celebrating the launch of Chance Eau Splendide—the first addition to its Chance fragrance family in eight years. The immersive experience until 5 May at The Dream Factory on, fittingly, Chance Street. And it did not disappoint.
The pop-up is designed as a dreamlike fairground, complete with interactive games, scent discovery zones and playful touches throughout. From the fragrance bar to the colourful installations, every corner offers a new way to immerse yourself in the world of Chanel Beauty. The pop-up is hard to miss. Just look out for the lilac mural created in honour of the new fragrance, splashed across the sides of its East London brick walls. Inspired by both the bottle’s design and the campaign film’s kaleidoscopic visuals, it’s a must-snap photo op for beauty lovers and social media mavens.
Upon entry, visitors are greeted with the signature lilac hue of Chance Eau Splendide, a fresh yet deep scent crafted by Olivier Polge. Here, they're invited to get the first whiff of the fragrance. It opens with sparkling raspberry and delicate floral notes, settling into a powdery, woody base of cedar and iris. Think elegance with an unexpected twist
Chloé Burney, Senior News & Features Writer.
Highlights from TheIndustry.beauty LIVE: Beauty's Sustainability Opportunity
During TheIndustry.beauty LIVE: Beauty's Sustainability Opportunity, business leaders from brands and retailers such as Space NK, Grown Alchemist, L’Occitane Group, NEOM, Cowshed, Emma Lewisham, The Estée Lauder Companies, Jo Loves and Creed, Rituals, Glow For It and Wildsmith, amongst others, gained insights into how the beauty industry can lead the way in sustainable innovation - and discovered how smarter retail and e-tail strategies can drive both profit and positive impact for the planet.
Hosted in partnership with sustainable packaging experts Shellworks and sponsored by Noatum Logistics, the event brought together professionals to learn from brands, retailers and industry experts from the likes of Elemis, Wild, Reome, UpCircle and The Inkey List, about product and outer packaging innovations, delivery strategies - from supply chain optimisation to final mile solutions - evolving marketing and PR tactics, and much more.
Here are some key takeaways from this week's event. If you missed it, be sure to sign up to TheIndustry.beauty's daily newsletter to stay updated on future news and events.
Sophie Smith, News Editor & Senior Writer.
