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Uni, the elevated body care line launched in 2022 by Alexandra Keating, announced on Thursday it had closed an investment round with participation from L’Oréal’s venture capital arm, BOLD (Business Opportunities for L’Oréal Development), alongside Break Trail Ventures, Milk Makeup founder Mazdack Rassi and model and actress Adwoa Aboah. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.
Keating, a former tech entrepreneur, told The Business of Beauty that the investment will power its upcoming entry into Ulta Beauty: The line will debut in 800 stores throughout the US with prime placement on endcaps, desirable real estate at the end of store aisles from July 27.
“I knew that when we play in retail, we can really get to be the number one seller, we just need a larger playing field to do that,” said Keating. The line is already available in Mecca in Keating’s native Australia and at the UK’s Space NK, and supplies amenities to hotels and workout chains like Soulcycle. Uni launched a bespoke hand wash for the glitzy New York restaurant Mr Chow in April.
The brand is known for its ocean-inspired products like the 24 Hour Body Serum, $43, and Golden Microalgae Body Oil, $48. Its distinctive packaging and reusable pumps were designed by Marc Atlan, who previously crafted the iconic Comme des Garçons fragrance bottles, as well as campaigns for the likes of Tom Ford and Dior.
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The investment will also help the company fill out its C-suite: Keating recently hired Sarah Gardner as chief merchandising officer, formerly at cosmetics line Bareminerals, and Jessica Zeller, a former vice president of marketing from premium beauty line Ilia.
“I wanted to [launch in US retail] with a big executive retail team,” said Keating, adding that she was aware that direct-to-consumer and digital success did not necessarily translate to retail sales. “America is so massive, you can’t think that because you’re winning in digital there’s like a halo effect for retail.”
Body care has become a booming category among young shoppers in particular, who share their “everything shower” routines on social media platforms, with multi-step regimens including scrubs, serums and lotions in a variety of scents.
In a statement, Penny Coy, senior vice president of merchandising at Ulta Beauty said body care was a dynamic growing category for the business. “Across every generation, [customers] seek products that elevate daily rituals with sensorial experiences,” said Coy.
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