Space NK, the premium beauty retailer, has reported a 19% rise in turnover following its acquisition by Ulta Beauty. The company’s financial results, covering the 44 weeks to January 31, 2026, show a turnover of £282.7 million, exceeding its previous full-year total. This performance is particularly notable as it comes amid a week of significant industry developments, with Space NK continuing to command attention.
The retailer attributed this growth to strong like-for-like sales, new store openings, and online expansion. Former CEO Andy Lightfoot’s final reporting period demonstrates the company’s resilience and strategic focus. Space NK plans to continue this strategy, leveraging its robust sales across its store estate and the expansion of existing locations, alongside sustained online growth.
A New Chapter for Space NK
As Space NK enters a new era under fresh leadership, the industry watches with interest. The retailer’s performance under its new CEO will be a key focus, particularly in maintaining the momentum of these impressive results. The acquisition by Ulta Beauty, a US beauty giant, marks a significant shift, and the coming months will reveal how this influence shapes Space NK’s trajectory.
Coty’s Marc Jacobs Deal
In other news, Coty has secured a 40-year license for Marc Jacobs beauty, a partnership that began with fragrance in 2003 and expanded into makeup in 2023. This extension comes as Marc Jacobs’ new co-owners, WHP Global and G-III Apparel Group, express confidence in the brand’s future. The move marks one of the first major licensing deals that WHP Global and G-III have struck since completing their acquisition of Marc Jacobs from LVMH on 1 September.
The makeup relaunch has already surpassed targets, with Marc Jacobs Beauty ranking among the top 20 makeup labels at Sephora UK. The collection’s playful packaging, featuring eyeshadow palettes in the shape of stars and metallic flower lipstick caps, has resonated with consumers. A writer praised the collection’s “stunning” presentation, noting that the packaging is “super sleek and so fun”, the products feel great, and the price points—ranging from about £22 to £35—are within the range of what they would gladly spend to treat themselves ahead of Christmas.
This deal also comes at an interesting time for Coty, which has been reshaping its prestige category. In July, it agreed to hand the Gucci Beauty license back to Kering for approximately $400 million, around a year before the original term ends.
Lookfantastic’s Skincare Insights
Lookfantastic’s data reveals shifting skincare trends among over-45s, challenging age-based assumptions. While Elemis Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm remains popular, there’s a growing interest in newer brands like Medicube and active ingredients such as retinal, vitamin C, and peptides. This highlights that older consumers are actively engaging with new products and skincare developments, rather than sticking solely to familiar favorites.
