SEPHORA SHANGHAI, NEXT-GENERATION RETAIL

Published on 07.20.2023

3 minutes

  • Asia Pacific
  • Hall of Fame
  • Selective Retailing

Packed with the latest tech and digital solutions, Sephora’s Store of the Future in Shanghai invites you to discover the future of beauty. This showcase of innovation and excellence positions Sephora at the avant-garde of selective retailing, a true trendsetter that has ushered in a new era in the world of beauty.

In the middle of the popular East Nanjing Road in bustling Shanghai, the famous black and white striped “calepinage” motif stands out like a much-loved beacon in the urban landscape. Over the decades this powerful brand signature has become a landmark for beauty aficionados the world over. Founded in 1969, Sephora is today the world’s leading prestige beauty retailer, followed by a truly passionate community of fans. 

With nearly 3,000 stores in 34 countries plus e-commerce sites available in 32 countries, Sephora has established itself as the uncontested leader in omni-retail prestige beauty. Sephora continually reinvents the customer experience and leads the path to the beauty shopping experience of tomorrow thanks to an experiential, omnichannel approach. Sephora stores are full-fledged idea labs, blending interactivity, personalization and fluid journeys to bring each customer a unique experience.  

Situated in the effervescent Xintiandi neighborhood, the Sephora Store of the Future has pushed the boundaries of innovation and excellence further than ever. With its sleek lines, this futuristic temple of cosmetics spans some 1,600 square meters of floorspace. Inside, thousands of products await customers, including exclusive C-beauty brands, plus an abundance of services. 

Virtual reality stations let customers try out different products and check out the result before they purchase. Interactive terminals enriched with artificial intelligence suggest personalized recommendations and offer makeup tutorials, guiding customers step-by-step on how to achieve trending looks. Another kiosk performs ultra-precise skin tone analysis. Packaging can be personalized with a host of options, such as engraving on a fragrance bottle. RFID sensors educate customers on product ingredients and provide access to thousands of reviews. What’s more, mobile points-of-sale let people check out anywhere, skipping lines. Plus, the Beauty Live Studio gathers the Sephora beauty community for master classes on trendy looks and special events around the latest brands and products.  

The Store of the Future underscores Sephora’s ability to swiftly meet fast-evolving customer expectations and embrace the growing integration of tech in the shopping experience. By redefining industry standards, Sephora inspires tomorrow’s selective retailing trends and reaffirms its commitment to beauty that is both innovative and inclusive.  

Illustration 1