Cosmetics, Beauty Supply & Perfume Stores Industry Profile

Companies in this industry operate physical retail establishments that primarily sell cosmetics, beauty supplies and toiletries, and perfume. Major US companies include Sally Beauty Supply, Ulta, Sephora, and divisions of L Brands (Bath & Body Works, Victoria's Secret) and Brazil's Natura Cosméticos (The Body Shop International).

The global cosmetics products market (beauty and personal care) is expected to top $800 billion by 2023, with a CAGR of 7.1% during 2018 to 2023, according to Orbis Research. Developing countries identified as ripe for retail expansion by consulting firm A.T. Kearney include Brazil, Chile, Uruguay, China, United Arab Emirates, Armenia, and Georgia. In China, where fair skin is highly prized, total retail sales of skin care products and makeup in 2017 grew by 10.3% and 21.3%, respectively, according to Euromonitor.

The US cosmetics, beauty supply, and perfume stores industry includes about 16,600 establishments (single-location companies and units of multi-location companies) with combined annual revenue of about $20 billion. The market for prestige cosmetics -- those sold mainly in department stores -- is expected to grow annually by 3.7% from 2018 to 2022, according to Statista.

Companies specializing in professional beauty products may restrict sales to salons and salon professionals, due to manufacturer policies. Salons may resell products to the public or use products for customer treatments.

COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE

High margins, repeat purchases, easy storage, and cheap shipping all serve to make the retailing ...