Brand story: Top news on the big name beauty brands across APAC

1 - Sephora to launch first Asian concept store in Shanghai

Sephora announces plans to open the first Asian concept store​ in Shanghai, while unveiling a new campaign and WeChat social retail channel.

The LVMH-owned beauty retailer said that the new concept store would be unveiled this month in Shanghai.

The concept store will feature an upgraded store design, technology and service. Upgrades include an e-commerce wall, which the company calls a “cloud shelf”, as well as a virtual artist experience.

Its store on Shanghai’s famous Nanjing Road is currently their largest flagship store to date. In addition to it, the company has 28 physical Sephora stores across 74 cities in China.

2 - China’s FDA recalls skin care product by Shiseido-backed manufacturer

China’s Food and Drug Administration (CFDA) ordered the recall of a skin care product​ over concerns that it looked too much like a beverage and could potentially confused and harm consumers, especially children.

Pure & Mild’s Loquat Skin Juice Refresher was found to have violated rules stated in the Administrative Provisions on Cosmetic Labelling as it was packaged to look like a beverage and had terms such as “fresh and juicy” on its labels, stated the CFDA.

The authorities were concerned that the packaging and labelling would mislead children to consumer the product, even though the bottles do state that they are cosmetic products and not beverages.

3 - China tariffs on cosmetics: Estée Lauder Cos mindful but confident impact will be minimal

Estée Lauder Cos will be able to absorb the impact of worsening trade terms​ between US and China because of the company’s high growth margins and investments in capacity, according to executive vice president and CFO Tracey T. Travis.

Speaking at Barclays Global Consumer Staples Conference, Travis reiterated the financial results of their fourth quarter, which saw tremendous double-digit growth in China, and added that the company anticipates that their business in the country will continue to thrive.

“This year, we expect continued success. It will not be prudent for us to anticipate the same growth we had in fiscal 2018 for fiscal 2019, but still strong double-digit growth. We are not seeing a slowdown in China. We are continuing to see all our brands grow quite nicely in China, in brick-and-mortar as well as online,”​ said Travis.

4 - Unilever utilises A.S. Watson’s customer insight to launch TRESemmé in China

Unilever is deploying A.S. Watson retail insights​ and expertise of Chinese market to launch TRESemmé haircare in China.

The launch strategy was co-developed by the two firms to ensure they rolled out a strong and effective plan both online and offline.

“With its breadth of stores, customer data and market insights… A.S. Watson is able to help brands develop products and grow their presence in new markets,”​ said the company in a statement.

5 - Lush Korea: “Water Deer” video not meant to be misogynistic

Lush Korea believes its loyal customer base will continue to support the brand​ despite a wave a recent bad press, which led to the firm being branded ‘misogynistic’.

The clip, which was the winner of a contest hosted by the company, shows a female pedestrian, who thinks twice about jaywalking after seeing a poster that reads: 'You are not a water deer".

The company had intended for the video, which was posted onto its Instagram on August 1, to simply discourage jaywalking, Lush Korea told Cosmetics Design Asia​.