Today, CEW steps into the new world of brick-and-mortar beauty retail, and explores the game-changing innovations transforming the in-store experience, “Retailers are reimagining interactive destinations, offering a blend of entertainment, education, and social interaction,” writes reporter Elaine D’Farley, who unpacks the new “vibrant hubs of discovery, education, and personalized multi-sensory experiences, fueled by technology and a renewed focus on IRL social connection.” The new “phygital” experience, which bridges the online and offline worlds, is among the trends unpacked in our report.

Also on CEW Beauty News, Jacquelyn Wenskus, Director, Fragrance Industry Analyst at Circana, discusses the “splurge and save” trend, which the firm has tracked over the last year. Designer and artisanal fragrance brands account for over 80% of the sales revenue within the U.S. prestige fragrance market, and saw double-digit growth rates in 2023. “Although consumers are trading up to pricier fragrance products, they are simultaneously spending more on lower-priced alternatives sold in prestige retailers that offer similar benefit,” Wenskus reports. 

Speaking of fragrance, Monogram Capital Partners — the Los Angeles-based private equity firm which backs D.S. & Durga — has acquired a majority stake in the scent and beauty developer Tru Fragrance & Beauty. Meanwhile, Rare Beauty Brands, which owns Patchology, is reported to be exploring deal options with the investment bank DC Advisory.

In other headlines, Emmy-winning actress and producer Storm Reid has partnered with KISS Colors & Care. “I hope to inspire others to embrace the uniqueness of their beauty and express themselves fearlessly,” says Reid of her curated collection of styling products and accessories for braided hairstyles. Meanwhile, for Earth Month, Kiehl’s Since 1851 will unveil a sculptural installation by artist & activist Benjamin Von Wong, “Single-Use Reflections,” on the High Line in New York City from April 4-17.

Catch up on these and other stories at the links below. 

The Exciting Future of Retail. How experiential, socially driven initiatives are changing the brick-and-mortar customer experience. (CEW)

Circana Unpacks Splurge And Save Fragrance Trend. Consumers are trading up to more expensive fragrance products, while simultaneously spending more on lower-priced alternatives. (CEW)

Everything You Missed at Shoptalk Las Vegas. A cheat sheet on the key tech, tools, and trends from the event. (CEW)

Monogram Capital Partners To Acquire Majority Stake in Tru Fragrance & Beauty. The L.A.-based private equity firm, which backs D.S. & Durga, already counts Le Monde Gourmand, Undone Beauty and Lake & Skye among the brands in its portfolio. (WWD)

Rare Beauty Brands Explores Deal Options. The owner of  Patchology is reported to be exploring deal options with the investment bank DC Advisory. (CB INSIGHTS)

Storm Reid Partners With KISS Colors & Care. The Emmy-winning actress and producer has curated a collection of styling products and accessories for braided hairstyles. (HAPPI)

Kiehl’s To Unveil Earth Month Installation. In recognition of Earth Month, Kiehl’s Since 1851 will present “Single-Use Reflections,” by renowned artist & activist Benjamin Von Wong, on the High Line in New York City from April 4-17. (NYC)

Sundae Body Enters Walmart. The Australian body care brand will enter 1,800 stores. (BEAUTY INDEPENDENT)

Superdrug’s Beauty Price Freeze. The U.K. drugstore is winning customers with its pledge to freeze the prices of about 5,000 color cosmetic products from brands such as e.l.f. Beauty, Maybelline and Rimmel until summer 2024. (BEAUTY MATTER)