Sephora emerged in 1970s Paris when it gained a reputation for its assisted self-service sales experience. Unlike most retail models at the time, Sephora cosmetics locations encouraged shoppers to test out products before purchasing.
Over the next two decades, the company continued to expand its enterprise before opening a flagship branch on the Champs Élysées in 1997. With the world’s eyes now on the brand, Sephora was sold to the fashion giant LVMH later the same year.
Further expansion followed. The company opened its first US store in New York in 1998, followed by its first Canadian store in 2004, and its first Australian store in 2014. Just a few years later, Sephora would open its largest location in Herald Square, New York City. Spanning over 11,000 square feet, it features over 13,000 products as well as an interactive workshop.
Here in the Middle East, Sephora UAE and KSA have been operating as regional divisions of the parent company since the region’s head office was opened in February 2006. There are now over 30 Sephora locations across the UAE, KSA, Bahrain, Qatar and Kuwait.
Sephora UAE and KSA also provide make-up and skincare products from notable brands including Christian Dior and Laura Mercier. Such is the company’s success in the region that its Dubai Mall location is currently ranked as its number one store worldwide.
Across all of its global locations and divisions, Sephora’s growing portfolio of products, including cosmetics, skincare, fragrances and beauty products, generates annual revenues of USD 10bn.
