Editors' Top Reads: News from Space NK, Dr Simon Ourian, The Perfume Shop and more...

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

Space NK to open flagship at London's Oxford Circus

News emerged this week that Space NK is getting ready to open a new flagship at London's Oxford Circus, introducing a purpose-built beauty concept to meet the wants and needs of its customers. Taking a unit adjacent to IKEA's upcoming store, the space promises to offer "the very best of beauty".

The retailer's move into this popular shopping destination presents a significant opportunity. The location's current beauty offer is notably weak, leaving Space NK perfectly poised to dominate. Also, with the upcoming IKEA launch expected to generate a surge in visitors, it is set to benefit from a substantial boost in footfall. It's a winning combination.

The news comes after Space NK announced plans to open ten stores in 2025 as the retailer continues to invest in the UK high street following a surge in sales and profits. CEO Andy Lightfoot previously said that he was a "real believer" in bricks-and-mortar retail and had a pipeline of new openings in high streets and shopping centres across the UK.

It certainly an exciting time for beauty retail!

Sophie Smith, News Editor & Senior Writer.

The Interview: Celebrated LA aesthetician Dr Simon Ourian on sculpting faces and elevating skincare

Dr Simon Ourian is one of LA’s most celebrated aestheticians, beloved by the Kardashians and Lady Gaga among many others. What gives Dr Ourian stand-out is his elevated approach to aesthetics, which combines his twin passions of art (in particular sculpture) and science?

I can only dream of placing my face in his hands, but I can use (and I have) his skincare range, which aims to enhance the results of aesthetic treatments or deliver some of the effects to those who have not had them.

The packaging is, to be honest, unpromising, but the contents deliver. His moisturiser is about the only one I have used that appears to materially calm my underlying redness and his balm cleanser is unreal.

While I doubt I will ever visit his famed Beverly Hills clinic, I did get the opportunity to interview him and learn all about his approach to aesthetics and skincare, and his recent move into the wellness space. You can read his words in full here.

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

The Perfume Shop to host UK's first fragrance-themed escape room

With 47% of shoppers seeking more immersive, entertainment-driven retail options, there's plenty of demand for experiences that go beyond simple transactions. This concept is particularly popular across beauty, with more and more brands hosting activations like pop-ups to entice consumers and drive brand awareness, engagement and sales.

Capitalising on this growing trend, The Perfume Shop is hosting the UK’s first perfume-themed escape room later this month in celebration of National Fragrance Week.

Designed to take guests on a journey through the world of fragrance, the upcoming pop-up will challenge participants to unlock scent-inspired puzzles while exploring four themed rooms dedicated to perfume brands including Gucci, Marc Jacobs, BOSS and Burberry.

Beauty pop-ups are typically more about disruption than just a simple retail moment - and this is certainly the case for The Perfume Shop's upcoming activation. What fun this sounds!

Sophie Smith, News Editor & Senior Writer.

Monday Haircare founder to 'demystify hair routines' with new brand Being

There's something to be said about these new brands entering the market that are strictly targeting Gen Zers. It seems as though they've hit the jackpot, as the beauty-obsessed demographic is growing and can't seem to get enough of affordable skincare and cosmetics. From Bubble Skincare to Monday Haircare and Indu, these Gen Z-targeting brands have found the recipe for success.

Jaimee Lupton, otherwise known as the Gen Z beauty whisperer, got a piece of the pie when she launched Monday Haircare, one of TikTok's most followed haircare labels. As of late, she has set out to expand her beauty empire, first launching a new line Daise and now Being.

Created to simplify haircare, Being is on a mission to demystify hair routines, creating comprehensive ranges that are tailored to individual hair types. Being allows people with all hair textures, types and needs to buy from one brand, in one aisle, on one shelf, at an accessible price point, "for less doing and more being".

With Monday Haircare, Daise and now Being under her belt, Lupton is ensuring a space on teenager's bathroom shelves. But, will she stop there?

Chloé Burney, Senior News & Features Writer.