Sephora’s arrival in Liverpool and its continued success at Westfield London signal an exciting evolution for beauty retail in the UK. Once only a dream for British beauty enthusiasts, Sephora’s physical presence has fuelled nationwide excitement, with Liverpool’s grand opening and Westfield’s flagship setting new standards in immersive retail experiences.
Sephora Liverpool: A Beauty Revolution on Merseyside
On 22 May 2025, Liverpool witnessed scenes reminiscent of music festivals as hundreds camped out for Sephora’s city debut at Liverpool ONE. Many devoted fans braved the open air overnight, eager to clinch a spot among the first 500 customers gifted with complimentary product bundles. By sunrise, queues spilled along South John Street, highlighting the local passion for global beauty brands and exclusive launches.
Sephora’s new outlet, its eighth in the UK, occupies 6,727 square feet in a prime corner unit previously held by Footlocker. Its arrival marks a significant step in the brand’s regional expansion, joining established sites in Westfield London, Westfield Stratford City, Manchester Trafford Centre, and Bluewater in Kent.
The Liverpool branch stands out for more than its scale. It offers a curated range of local and global beauty favourites, including Rare Beauty, Haus Labs by Lady Gaga, and Make Up by Mario, alongside renowned French brands and viral hits from TikTok and Instagram. Shoppers praise the in-store services: expert make-up, skincare, hair, and brow treatments, delivered in private studios designed for both express touch-ups and full-glam transformations.
A Strategic Expansion: Why Liverpool and Why Now?
As Sarah Boyd, Sephora UK’s managing director, explained, Liverpool was a deliberate choice. She described “immense demand from our fans in Liverpool” and stressed the city’s “remarkable energy and vibrant history,” values the brand wishes to embody. Acquiring a prominent corner at Liverpool ONE allowed Sephora to offer locals and visitors a retail experience tailored to their expectations—inviting, energetic, and packed with exclusive product drops.
The launch of Sephora’s Liverpool store coincided with record footfall at Liverpool ONE, which also welcomed new flagships from fashion brands like Hobbs and Whistles. Local leaders, including Liverpool ONE’s asset manager Rob Deacon, lauded Sephora as “precisely what we aim to achieve”, a globally celebrated retailer delivering bold, compelling concepts that invigorate the city centre and bolster the local economy.
Success at Westfield London: Immersive Retail Explored
Westfield London set the tone for Sephora’s modern retail success in the UK, opening its White City flagship in March 2023. Seven-hour queues at launch underlined pent-up demand, while the site’s 6,000 square feet showcase more than 140 leading brands, including Fenty, Drunk Elephant, and Tarte. Shoppers engage with the Grand Beauty Hub, interactive spaces where make-up, skincare, and wellness experiences combine the best of technology and personal service.
A second Westfield branch in Stratford City followed, reaffirming Sephora’s commitment to East London and reaching a wider audience. Both locations offer in-house beauty experts, private treatment rooms, and exclusive events, from live tutorials to product showcases hosted by global influencers.
Retail Trends: Why Sephora’s Move Matters
Sephora’s UK expansion comes amid a wider retail renaissance, as brands invest in physical spaces that wow and inspire in a digital-first age. Social media virality drives footfall, with young shoppers documenting visits and “haul” videos boosting both brand reach and sales. The chain’s UK stores have introduced over 125 brands, many making their British debut solely through Sephora.
According to recent press, Sephora plans to open as many as 20 UK stores by 2027, with future sites set for Meadowhall (Sheffield), Manchester Arndale, and Cardiff St David’s. The focus is on flagship spaces with immersive service areas, reflecting consumer preference for experiences, not just transactions.
Community Impact and Future Prospects
The excitement surrounding Sephora’s openings in Liverpool and at Westfield has delivered a clear boost to local retail, with increased footfall, social media engagement, and a flurry of positive reviews. Collaborations with leading influencers and loyalty rewards have ensured that Sephora’s UK presence remains fresh and culturally relevant.
Sephora’s sustained investment in cities like Liverpool and London illustrates not just confidence in the British consumer, but a genuine commitment to building lasting relationships through service, choice, and experience.
As brick-and-mortar retail continues to evolve, Sephora’s blend of excitement, exclusivity, and personalisation sets a high bar for future openings. For beauty lovers in Liverpool, Westfield, and beyond, Sephora has quickly become not just a shop—but a must-see destination.
