Huge beauty brand with 16 UK stores set to open 4 more – from July 9 | UK | News

A major global beauty brand will open four new stores this summer as it continues its UK expansion at pace. French-founded Sephora will venture into Scotland for the first time with two new stores opening by August, while two boutiques will launch in London next month, bringing the total number of UK shops to 18.

Edinburgh will be the first to get the iconic beauty chain in The St James Quarter on July 9, while Glasgow Silverburn will open just over a month later on August 13. Both stores, with around 5,000sqft of retail space, will be stocked with Sephora UK exclusives and selective brands, with customers able to shop the likes of rhode, Haus Labs, Makeup by Mario, Merit Beauty, INNBeauty Project, Tower 28 and Half Magic for the first time on Scottish soil.

The global brand, which is huge in the US with more than 1,700 shops, is known for its immersive experience where customers can freely test thousands of products. It also has a strong presence across the Middle East and Asia, and more than 800 shops across Europe.

Sephora UK has committed to rolling out large-format stores in key regional cities across the UK, aiming to have 20 stores open by the end of 2026, and it will also debut small-format boutiques in the capital for the first time.

One boutique will open on London Carnaby Street on July 23, shortly followed by a boutique in Old Spitalfields Market on July 30. Sephora said the ‘pop-in’ experience will be reminiscent of the UK’s high-street culture and will offer a curated selection of products.

Sarah Boyd, Managing Director of Sephora UK, said: “This summer marks a major milestone in Sephora UK’s journey as we continue to bring our unique beauty experience to more communities across the country.

“We’re incredibly excited to be opening our first stores in Scotland, giving beauty lovers access to some of the world’s most sought-after brands and exclusive products for the very first time.

“At the same time, we’re proud to be introducing our new boutique format in London, a concept shaped directly by customer feedback and designed to complement the way people shop today.

“Whether customers are looking for a destination beauty experience or a quick beauty discovery on the go, our ambition remains the same – to inspire, educate and empower through an inclusive and innovative retail experience.

“We can’t wait to welcome customers through our doors and celebrate what promises to be a true Sephora Summer.”

Anne Ledgerwood, estate director at Edinburgh’s St James Quarter, described the first Scottish Sephora store as a “landmark moment”.

“Securing such an iconic global beauty brand for its Scottish debut reflects its position as the country’s leading retail destination and builds on the strength of our already diverse beauty offer,” he said.

“Excitement is already building ahead of opening, and we’re proud to be introducing Sephora to Scotland for the very first time, bringing an exciting new experience for guests to discover this summer.”

Diarmuid Donohoe, centre manager at Glasgow’s Silverburn, described it as a “really exciting moment for beauty lovers in Glasgow and the west of Scotland”.

He said each new arrival “reinforces Silverburn’s position as the go to destination for beauty, lifestyle and fashion in the city”, adding: “We know this is one our guests have been waiting for, and we can’t wait to welcome them to the new Sephora store this summer.”