Sephora to open 20 stores in the UK as part of expansion plans

Guillaume Motte, CEO of Sephora, outlined his ambitions for the business while speaking to The Times.

He broke down his desire to double the size of the brand’s retail portfolio and grow its existing online channel.

He explained: “We’re probably looking in the next two to three years to have at least 20 stores in the UK.”

Furthermore, he shared his confidence in the brand’s future success in the UK due to a better business landscape.

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Sephora hopes to 20 more stores in the UK

PA

As it stands, the beauty retailer has operated six stores on this side of the Atlantic since 2024.

Recently, Sephora confirmed plans to open a location in Liverpool One early next year.

This 6,727 sq ft store will open in the spring and will sell the business’s own-brand collection.

As well as this, Sephora will also continue to sell well-known brands such as Rare Beauty, Makeup by Mario and Haus Labs by Lady Gaga.

Over the summer, the company revealed it was opening its seventh store in Kent’s Bluewater shopping centre towards the end of this year.

Despite this continuous expansion into Britain, analysts are warning that businesses are having to contend with a higher tax burden than ever before.

Rajeev Shaunak, head of consumer at MHA, compared Britain’s tax rates to its nearest neighbours.

He explained: “The UK already has higher business rates compared to most of Europe. It certainly accounts for a higher percentage of revenue for local and central government than neighbours like France, Germany, and The Netherlands.

“Business rates impact particular sectors like consumer and manufacturing more than others. In the case of retailers with a brick-and-mortar model already struggling against online competitors, the reduction in the business rates discount from 75 per cent to 40 per cent (capped at £110,000) from April 2025 will increase pressure on these retailers.

“Given that these businesses by their nature employ more staff, the increase in employers NI and increase in minimum wage will only exacerbate the situation.

“Combine all these factors with a possible fall in consumer confidence as many feel their disposable income has fallen (real or perceived), this may well sound the death knell for many businesses, especially smaller ones unable to weather the storm.

“Not only will this impact the economy and people’s livelihoods, but it also reduces consumer choice and the experience that only retailers with stores can provide and that is indeed a sad situation.”