Editors' Top Reads: News from The Body Shop, Jones Road, Trinny London and more...
Here are some of this week’s news and features highlights handpicked by TheIndustry.beauty team.
The Body Shop rescued by acquisition deal with remaining 113 stores to stay open
The Body Shop has officially been rescued from administration by a consortium led by British tycoon Mike Jatania. Aurea announced the completion of the acquisition on Saturday, with Jatania and Charles Denton, the former Chief Executive of Molton Brown, to head the brand's new leadership team.
In a statement, Aurea said the acquisition was its largest transaction to date and it would "steer The Body Shop’s revival and reclaim its global leadership in the ethical beauty sector it pioneered". As part of this, it is understood there are no immediate plans to shut any of its 113 remaining UK stores.
Established in 1976 by Dame Anita Roddick, The Body Shop found early success for its responsible approach to beauty. Now much more mainstream than it was back then, the brand has faced challenges in recent years after failing to win over customers. With plans to invest in product innovation and experiences, all while paying homage to the brand’s ethical and activist positioning, I look forward to seeing Aurea plans for the business.
Sophie Smith, News Editor & Senior Writer.
Dr Sam declares 'Sephora Time, we’re ready' as it commences expansion
Ever since I interviewed Dr Sam Bunting last year, I have been wondering when she'd take the plunge and expand the brand via a third-party offering. At the time, she said: "It's about launching potent products and gaining knowledge about the customer... I believe in creating something slow, steady and built to last. However, we've had lots of interest over the years and I think now is a great time for us to expand and move into retail."
Fast forward a year later, Dr Sam was ready to take the plunge. After six years of growing its D2C business, Dr Sam’s is on track to report triple-digit growth this year and broaden its horizons. This week it announced Sephora will be its first third-party retailer in the UK. I am almost exclusively a Dr Sam's skincare user, so now I'll be able to collect Sephora points when quenching my skincare thirst - win win!
In the same week, Dr Sam's also announced the appointment of Neil Brading as its Global Marketing Director. The expansion wheels are officially turning at Dr Sam's.
Chloé Burney, Senior News & Features Writer.
How Bobbi Brown built Jones Road Beauty on the back of Miracle Balm
Apparently there are people who don't like the Jones Road Beauty Miracle Balm. I wonder if those people – along with those that don't like dogs and Kylie Minogue – could ever be my friends? I suspect not.
I wear it every day and I never leave home without it. Don't ask me to describe what it does and how it does it, it's just genius – a miracle if you will. And the genius woman behind it, Bobbi Brown, has launched another one this week, called Pinky Bronze.
It is this product that has driven the stratospheric growth of her brand, which she launched in 2020 after her non-compete with the Estée Lauder Companies ended (she had sold her original brand to the beauty giant some 25 years before and left in 2016). Brown and the brand's Senior Director of Brand Marketing Payal Patel Plofker talked to us this week about how the brand was founded and how rapidly it has grown; they also give us a sneak insight into its future plans.
Have a read, then buy a Miracle Balm. Trust me, the people who don't like it don't know what they're talking about.
Lauretta Roberts. Co-founder, CEO and Editor-in-Chief.
In Pictures: Trinny London opens first-ever flagship store
Trinny London opened its debut flagship store this week, welcoming customers to the new space in London's Chelsea. Spread across two levels, the store offers the brand's full suite of products and services, boasting carefully curated displays and interactive experiences to provide a seamless customer experience.
The new store centres around connection, community and discovery, from skincare routines designed for beginners and beauty enthusiasts to displays highlighting the best makeup shades for different skin tones - it certainly offers a unique retail experience. Downstairs, customers can also find 'The Studio'. Boasting six stations, the space offers a variety of beauty services.
Large mirrors open up the space, with metallic silver accents complemented by the vibrant colours of Trinny London's products, as well as the bright yellow shade synonymous with its branding. If you haven't already viewed the imagery in this article, I strongly urge you to take a look - it looks brilliant and I can't wait to visit!
Sophie Smith, News Editor & Senior Writer.
