Online food retailer Ocado Group’s subsidiary Speciality Stores Ltd and fashion publication Marie Claire are collaborating to launch a premium beauty and well-being business offering customers the opportunity to purchase from both physical stores and online.
The new venture will be led by Amanda Scott, currently head of buying for beauty and accessories at John Lewis. Scott will be the managing director of the new venture, working closely with Marie Claire’s publishing director, Justine Southall.
“We are really excited about the partnership with Marie Claire, and collectively we are confident we can bring something fresh and unique to the beauty retail marketplace that will inspire customers,” says James Matthews, commercial director of Speciality Stores.
“I am delighted to have the opportunity to lead this new venture. Marie Claire has extensive knowledge and influence in the world of beauty that is widely respected; the trust consumers have in this brand gives it natural leverage to move into retail, particularly within this category. Together with the multi-million pound investment and backing of Ocado, this partnership will combine to provide the consumer with a unique proposition and a seamless customer experience,” believes Scott.
“This launch will be the perfect combination of content provider, consumer and commerce. Marie Claire’s brand authority, Scott’s talent and the world-leading technology, logistics and e-commerce expertise of Ocado make this partnership extremely exciting,” adds Southall.