Here are some of this week’s news and features highlights handpicked by TheIndustry.beauty team.
During my three and a half year stint living in the US, I got access to retailers that had always been on my wish list for as long as I can remember. One of them, which was at the top of my list next to Sephora, was, of course, Ulta Beauty. Finally, I got to browse the likes of KKW Beauty (RIP) and Morphe in person for the first time. So, it's safe to say Ulta is firmly on my radar, but it wasn't until this week that it caught my attention once again.
This week, it came to light that Ulta is acquiring UK-based Space NK from Manzanita Capital in a deal reportedly worth over £300 million. This reflects a major international expansion for Ulta and a strategic move into the UK beauty market. Space NK, founded in 1991 and known for curating high-end and trending brands, will retain its name and presence in the UK, including a new Oxford Circus flagship opening in August.
Ulta CEO Kecia Steelman said: "International expansion is an integral part of our Ulta Beauty Unleashed plan, and the acquisition of Space NK offers a unique and strategically compelling opportunity to enter the growing UK market with a successful and growing brand."
This is a major push outside of North America for Ulta Beauty, signalling a new era of global ambition. I don’t want to get my hopes up, but now that I’m back in the UK, dare I dream of the day Ulta finally makes its way across the pond?
Chloé Burney, Senior News & Features Writer.
The Body Shop named Mike Jatania as CEO this week, succeeding Charles Denton, who took on the role last year following the brand’s acquisition by Auréa. Denton was brought last September to lead the turnaround of the British brand. He will now hand over the reins to Executive Chairman Jatania, one of the founders behind Auréa.
The change comes after The Body Shop's year of "stabilisation and renewal", during which the brand "regained its footing and focused on laying the foundations for long-term success". It comes after the business was rescued from administration in September 2024 by the consortium led by Jatania. It had entered administration in February, leading to the closure of 82 stores and 489 job cuts across the UK.
Having returned to profitability at the end of last year, The Body Shop will be one to watch under its new CEO, Janita, who has already played a significant role in the company’s rescue.
Sophie Smith, News Editor & Senior Writer.
The back stories of beauty founders never fail to fascinate me and this one was no exception. Sahara Lotti was a Hollywood screen writer and actor when she had her lightbulb moment. She was frustrated at not being able to carry out her own lash extensions at home so conceived her own system that became Lashify.
Lotti spoke to TheIndustry.beauty about the intriguing process of finding a working prototype for her vision, getting that into product and launching her own brand. She had her foresight to patent her invention, which is just as well as she has had to spend a great deal of time legally defending Lashify from copycats.
While she's not interested in gatekeeping the lash extension market, Lotti is passionate and brave when it comes to protecting her invention and her business. In this era of endless dupes, hers is an interesting story that others may take inspiration from.
Lauretta Roberts, Co-founder, CEO and Editor-in-Chief.
As the UK fashion and beauty industries continue to grow, more and more businesses are welcoming artificial intelligence to entice consumers and stand-out amongst the competition.
New data has revealed that British retailers are doubling down on customer experience as competition intensifies in both physical and digital spaces. In fact, 87% of retailers are prioritising initiatives to attract and retain shoppers, from launching loyalty schemes to experimenting with AI-powered personalisation.
An annual American Express survey also found that 82% plan to expand in 2025 - up from 72% the previous year. This growing optimism is largely driven by a focus on customer loyalty, with nearly half of retailers intending to launch or upgrade their rewards programs to meet rising consumer expectations.
Interesting data, well worth a look.
Sophie Smith, News Editor & Senior Writer.
Estée Lauder among companies named and shamed for failing to meet UK minimum wage
