COSMETIC RECOVERY: Fresh-faced appetite for alternatives — upscale beauty shakes up SA’s retail landscape
Social media has created a market for a new entrant to brick-and-mortar beauty retail – specifically, ‘premium’ goods specialists that attract a cult online following.
South Africa's beauty retail landscape is experiencing a shift as upscale beauty brands gain traction, offering alternatives to traditional drugstore and luxury options. This trend capitalizes on the growing interest in premium beauty products among young, working professionals. Arc Store, a South African beauty retailer, has attracted significant investment from Clicks, becoming "South Africa's answer to Sephora."
Founded in France and now available globally, Arc Store aims to provide a centralised location for customers to shop beauty and discover trends. Founder Rabia Ghoor noted the gap between affordable pharmacy brands and high-end luxury options, which her local brand, Swiitch, sought to address. With a focus on practicality, ARC Store appeals to young professionals looking for well-performing, budget-friendly products.
Brands like BeautyOnTApp have also emerged to fill the gap between drugstore and luxury, offering a boutique experience with locally developed products and an upscale yet personalised customer experience.
Written by urgent.news from Daily Maverick's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
