Editors' Top Reads: News from Rhode, Sephora, Nails.INC and more...

Here are some of this week’s news and features highlights handpicked by TheIndustry.beauty team.

Rhode says 'Hi London', announcing London pop-up

Hailey Bieber's Rhode started a frenzy after confirming the opening of its first-ever pop-up in London. The celebrity brand has risen in popularity since its launch in 2022, with a number of viral products taking the industry by storm.

Now, the brand is offering UK consumers the chance to try out its new Barrier Butter before launch on 28 October. Visitors can also explore Rhode's cult-favourite products as part of the pop-up, from its sought-after skincare to its bestselling Pocket Blushes and Peptide Lip Treatments.

There's no doubt this activation will be very popular, especially as Rhode has only been available in the UK via its DTC website (which incurs £15 shipping fees) so far.

Sophie Smith, News Editor & Senior Writer.

Snapchat to host augmented reality ‘high street’ featuring Boots

If you are anything like me, you might be wondering what the future of online shopping is. To think, around 15 years ago I was begging my parents to buy me clothes online, but they were too scared to put their card details on the internet. Fast forward to today, where banks can be exclusively online and we frivolously shop high street to luxury via the internet. Well, this week, Snapchat will reveal what the future of retail might look like at its immersive augmented reality high-street experience.

Snapchat is bringing the "thrill of shopping for fashion and beauty on Snapchat alive" with the launch of its all-new immersive augmented reality high street, Snap Street. Here, shoppers can interact with brands such as Boots and Depop.

The Ely’s Yard building in Brick Lane will be transformed into an indoor 'high street' with shop fronts showing off the state-of-the-art AR experiences available on Snapchat. Free to attend, Snap Street sets out to elevate the retail experience and showcase what a high street might look like in the future.

Chloé Burney, Senior News & Features Writer.

Nails.INC acquired by Pacific World Corporation to accelerate US expansion

I'm old enough to remember vividly the arrival of Nails.INC in 1999. This was a brand ahead of its time. The beauty landscape back then was nowhere near as vibrant as it is now and was dominated by mass multinational brands or prestige multinational brands. Yes, we still have both of those types of brands, but we also have a plethora of independent brands brought to us by passionate entrepreneurs and Thea Green was one of the first.

It is so pleasing to see her still at the head of her brand all these years later and leading further expansion, particularly in North America, following its acquisition by Pacific World Corporation - a New York-based private equity firm renowned for scaling consumer brands.

Under this new partnership, Nails.INC says it plans to expand distribution in key markets across the US and Canada, while also "increasing its product line to meet growing consumer demand". Its products are already fantastic and I love the imaginative collabs, such as those it has done with Marks & Spencer's Percy Pig and Magnum Ice Cream. I can't wait to see the fresh ideas to come from its US expansion with its inspiring founder still at the helm.

Lauretta Roberts, Co-founder, CEO and Editor-in-Chief.

Sephora to open in Liverpool as it continues UK expansion

Sephora is continuing its retail expansion across the UK with plans to open at Liverpool ONE in spring 2025. Taking a 6,727 sq ft cornerstone unit on South John Street, the new store will boast an extensive selection of products across makeup, skincare, haircare, fragrance and wellness.

It marks the eighth location in Sephora UK’s growing physical retail portfolio, which includes existing stores in London, Manchester, Newcastle and Gateshead. Later this year, the global beauty retailer will also open new locations at Birmingham Bullring and Bluewater in Kent.

Managing Director Sarah Boyd said the location was selected following "immense demand" from its fans in Liverpool. And if it's anything like its other UK openings, I'm sure these fans will be queuing around the block!

Sophie Smith, News Editor & Senior Writer.