SEPHORA is worth $37 billion but history can’t pinpoint its origin. (Statista)
This French brand synonymous with luxury beauty has 2,500+ stores in 32 countries. And now this retail brand and global powerhouse have come to India.
The name "Sephora" itself is derived from Greek. It means "beautiful." It reflects the brand's evolving focus beyond perfumes to all things beauty.
The whispers began in 1969 and 1970. Some say that's when Sephora first came onto the scene, but historians claim it was later.
In 1970, Dominique Mandonnaud, a painter-turned-perfumer, revolutionized fragrance shopping with a self-service approach. Customers could test before they bought, unheard of at the time!
When we take a look at its history and success story, one thing's for sure:
→It wasn't born with the iconic "S." Earlier, it wore a different name, then another, before Boots snatched it up in 1970.
→Fast forward to 1979, and a glimmer of truth emerges from a dusty list of companies. One of them was "Es Sua," a store selling toiletries and cosmetics that belongs to Boots. This Es Sua has a connection to Sephora's family tree.
→Beauty Genesis SA, the “unofficial” parent company, added another layer to this puzzle. The twist lies in 1897 with Nouvelle Gallery. A Parisian chain that turned into a French fragrance brand.
→By 1972, however, financial woes cast a shadow over its success. But Sephora rose in 1973. Yet, Nouvelle Gallery's ghost lingered. Profits dwindled, staff vanished, and by 1978, the chain faced its final curtain.
So, where does this leave us? With a beauty giant whose backstory is as captivating as its future.
Can you crack this code? Leave your best guesses in the comments.
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VP of Product Development & Commercialization at Oak Essentials
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