Sephora marked its much-anticipated North East debut with an exclusive VIP launch party ahead of the grand openings of two new stores in Newcastle’s Eldon Square and Gateshead’s Metrocentre. Held at the sleek rooftop bar ABOVE in The Vermont Hotel, the event attracted a star-studded guest list from across Newcastle, celebrating the global beauty brand’s continued expansion across the UK.
The night’s festivities were a dazzling affair, as Newcastle’s movers and shakers gathered for an evening of entertainment, beauty treatments, and live performances. Among the guests were local personalities such as MP Chi Onwurah, Newcastle United Women players, and Demi Stokes, Lioness and Newcastle United Women’s Defender. Also making an appearance was Choriza May, a contestant from RuPaul’s Drag Race, alongside Newcastle drag queens Risqué and Sally Trademark. Sephora’s Europe and Middle East President Sylvie Moreau and UK Managing Director Sarah Boyd also attended, with Boyd giving an inspiring speech about Sephora’s vision for the region.
Throughout the evening, attendees enjoyed bespoke beauty services mirroring the in-store experiences soon to be available at the new Sephora locations. From lip care by Tatcha to makeup touch-ups by Makeup by Mario and hairstyling by Gisou, the evening was a beauty lover’s dream. Musical performances from The Voice UK season 12 winners HUNNI, DJ Ellie Scougall, and the Northern Proud Voices Choir kept the atmosphere lively, making it an unforgettable night.
The launch party set the stage for the grand openings of Sephora’s stores in Eldon Square and Metrocentre, which will officially open their doors on Friday, 13th September. Reflecting the launch date, the stores will open at 9:13 AM, with the first 500 customers receiving a complimentary gift bag filled with high-value beauty goodies. Based on the success of Sephora’s previous openings in Manchester and London, the brand anticipates overnight queues from eager beauty enthusiasts.
With Sephora’s “beauty playground” concept, customers can expect to discover global and exclusive beauty brands such as Makeup by Mario, Glossier, and Rare Beauty. The stores aim to deliver unique and immersive retail experiences, offering in-store guidance, expert beauty services, and community-driven events.
The North East expansion marks a significant milestone in Sephora’s UK growth, as it continues to bring its beauty offering to new markets. The new Newcastle locations promise to revolutionise the region’s beauty landscape, offering an inclusive and diverse range of products and services.
