Boots Acquired by Canada’s Weston Family for $8.9 Billion
The Westons agreed on Wednesday to buy the UK's Boots from Sycamore Partners and the Pessina family, pledging to invest in the retailer's stores and online and expand healthcare services.
Beauty
Analysis and advice on the fast-evolving beauty business.
The Brand-Building Machines Behind Beauty’s Hottest Labels
In the last decade, incubators aimed at churning out brands have become a force throughout the industry. The Business of Beauty unpacks the pros and cons to the model, as well as what incubators and their brands need to do to stay competitive in a crowded market.
With New Beauty Hall, Selfridges Bets on Hair Inclusivity
The famed London department store is launching a new 3,500 square foot beauty hall dedicated to haircare, combining an offering of new services and products for a range of textures with hair accessories, jewellery and piercing services in one space.
Pamela Anderson and John Legend Will Headline The Business of Beauty Global Forum
Join the global livestream on May 30 and 31, 2023 to unlock essential learnings, challenge conventional thinking and inspire innovation in the global beauty and wellness industry.
James Dyson’s Unlikely Second Act as a Beauty Mogul
Since 2016, the vacuum company has found an entirely new audience with its dryers and multi-stylers. Its latest launch, the Airstrait, is the first of an anticipated 20 new products over the next four years.
Beauty TikTok’s Latest Obsessions
Unpack the latest controversy with Tarte Beauty, TikTok's "repurchase" trend, Taylor Swift's Eras tour and Sofia Richies wedding makeup.
Gen-Z Is Driving Fragrance M&A
TikTok fanatics are discovering new or smaller lines like Juliette Has a Gun and Parfums de Marly, which have been around for a collective 31 years.
The Secret to Creating a Cult Beauty Product
When a beauty product transcends its original value proposition, such as cleansing hands or moisturising skin, it can offer consumers desired forms of cultural capital.
The Business of Beauty Global Forum Is 4 Weeks Away — Register Now for the Global Livestream
Join us on May 30 and 31, 2023 to unlock essential learnings, challenge conventional thinking, inspire innovation and reimagine the future of the global beauty and wellness industry.
Sol de Janeiro Bets On Barbie
The Brazilian-inspired body-care brand taps the “Euphoria” actress to grow its fragrance-loving Gen-Z audience.
Beauty at the Met Gala: Smoky Eyes, Red Lipstick and Not Much Else
Beauty will always be on the sidelines at fashion’s “Super Bowl,” but this year all of the beautiful people just looked beautiful.
How New Beauty Brands Are Made
Retail accelerators have offered new founders help breaking into tough to crack retail environments. But finding long term success often takes more than a single bootcamp.
Why Many Y2K Beauty Brands Aren’t Benefiting From the Y2K Trend
Fashion labels like Marc Jacobs have capitalised on the Y2K trend with rebooted brands and products. But beauty brands of the era, like Laura Mercier and Philosophy need more than nostalgia to capture Gen-Z’s attention.
THE NEWS IN BRIEF
Report: L’Oréal Explores Unloading Chemical-Related Liabilities
The French company has engaged restructuring advisers to explore options for rising US legal liabilities linked to its use of talc and other chemical ingredients in some of its cosmetic products, the Wall Street Journal reported on Monday.
Sycamore Said to Near Deal to Sell Boots
The private equity firm is nearing a deal, valued at $9 billion, to sell the UK health and beauty retail business to the Canadian branch of the billionaire Weston family, a source told Bloomberg.
Dyson’s $499 AI Toothbrush Sees Rocky Debut
The UK firm blamed a production error resulting in ‘water seepage’ for the disappearance of its newly launched camera-equipped toothbrush from stores.
Sephora to Launch at Marks & Spencer
‘Sephora at M&S’ will roll out in M&S stores and online starting next spring, with plans to expand to 100 locations by the end of 2028.
Novo Buys Rights to Early Obesity Pill For $2.6 Billion
The Wegovy maker has signed a deal to license an experimental obesity pill from China’s Jiangsu Hengrui Pharmaceuticals as it seeks to regain share of the global GLP-1 market.
Oura Delays US IPO
The smart ring maker said on Tuesday it has delayed its US initial public offering, citing market uncertainty.
Scarlett Johansson’s Skincare Brand The Outset Closes
As of Monday, the premium brand’s website has been updated with a message announcing its closure.