Shoppers Stop inked an exclusive distribution partnership with L’Oréal International Division, under its subsidiary Global SS Beauty Brands Limited. In a candid interview with Priyanka Parshurami, Professional Beauty India, Biju Kassim, Customer care Associate & Chief Of Beauty, Shoppers Stop, gives us insight into this partnership deal.
Indian is a strategic market for all businesses. As a result many foreign brands across the segments are partnering with Indian companies to foray into the markets. Recently, L’Oréal Professional Division entered into an exclusive partnership with Shoppers Stop India’s subsidiary. It partnered with Global SS Beauty to bring famous fragrance brands from L’Oreal International Division’s fragrance portfolio in India.
Global SS Beauty Brands Limited will be the exclusive distributor for the niche fragrances; Atelier Cologne & Maison Margiela, for premium brands; Ralph Lauren and Azzaro and the coveted couture fragrances; Prada, Valentino, Mugler and Victor & Rolf, and many more.
“Principally as shoppers stop, you know, we operate in the retail space. We have been one of the early retailers, and beauty has been a very strategic focus for us. So that continues, the need to get into distribution, which means that you import goods and then you supply into the entire trade in the country. Hence we entered into a JV with the Loreal Professional Division”, says Biju Kassim, Customer care Associate & Chief Of Beauty, Shoppers Stop.
He further states, “The reason we did that was, we wanted to be fair when we get into distribution and treat all retail partners equally. We are the sole distribution channel. We import the products into the country, and then we supply into the entire trade. Between offline and online, depending on the approvals from brands, depending on the fashion mandates.”
Shoppers Stop has constantly evolved to serve the rapidly growing retail industry in India. Global SS Beauty Brands Limited aims to create a winning brand proposition for international brands in India. It does by bringing the best in class global brands and practices to India.
“Along with Loreal Professional Global SS Beauty also caters to distribution of other International brands skincare brand Clinique and cosmetics brands of Nars Cosmetics”, says Biju. He further adds, “India is seen as the next big beauty destination. So there is a reason why we really think that it has been a great journey and it can only take things forward in a more meaningful way”.
This distribution partnership under its subsidiary ‘Global SS Beauty Brands Limited’ is a step with an aim to enhance its consumer journey through story-telling, education & engagement.
