John Lewis partners with the British Beauty Council to support beauty industry

John Lewis has today announced that it has become a Patron of the British Beauty Council, a not-for-profit organisation that engages with beauty businesses and government to address the needs of the industry.

The retailer has always been connected to the beauty industry. It supports and offers beauty brands from newcomers to oldtimers on its shelves. In return, the beauty industry is also crucial to John Lewis, which saw sales up by 6.8% in H1 2024.

In this new role, John Lewis will partner with the Council to facilitate strategic initiatives in place to support the beauty industry and promote growth opportunities.

Alike Fenwick and Selfridges, John Lewis has invested significantly in its in-store beauty experience this year, with Beauty Hall refurbishments taking place in our Oxford Street, High Wycombe, and Cheadle stores in 2024.

Boasting a new layout and new brands, as well as a "big drive" on fragrance, the retailer's increased focus on beauty comes as the category is doing "incredibly well" for the business.

"We are the market share leader on the premium side of beauty and we see significant opportunity in this space," Peter Ruis, Executive Director at John Lewis told TheIndustry.beauty.

Keep your eyes peeled for the unveiling of the retailer's new Beauty Hall at its flagship Oxford Street store, which will open on 24 October - coinciding with the Council’s British Beauty Week.

Helen Spencer, Head of Beauty at John Lewis, said: "We are excited to have become a patron of the British Beauty Council, a significant milestone that reinforces the investments we are making in beauty both in our stores, and as a leading player in the online marketplace too. We look forward to working together to promote a thriving industry that can best serve our beauty customers across the UK."

Millie Kendall, Chief Executive of the British Beauty Council, added: "We are delighted to welcome John Lewis as a Patron of the British Beauty Council. The retailer is an integral part of British heritage and a cornerstone of the high street, two things the Council continuously champions.

"We all have memories from within the walls of a John Lewis beauty hall due to its unique intergenerational offering. Now, the retailer is repositioning to take beauty to the next level, something that the Council is dedicated to. We are excited to collaborate with John Lewis and other patrons to nurture future talent, promote innovation and aid the growth of beauty in the UK."