Beauty giant L’Oréal has filed its UK accounts for 2024 and they look strong. Turnover increased 8.6%, the operating profit margin rose, operating profit itself was up, and so was post-tax profit.
Reuters
The company said turnover increased to almost £1.559 billion from just under £1.435 billion and its operating profit margin rose by 13.4% following a 14.8% increase in 2023. Operating profit jumped to £241.4 million from £212.8 million and profit after tax rose 9.9% to £185.2 million. It had risen 11.7% in 2023.
A dividend of £168.4 million was paid to its parent company, up from £148.6 million in the previous year.
The positive numbers last year came as the company, which operates the Consumer Product division, the Luxe division, Professional Products division and Dermatological Beauty division, saw turnover increasing both by volume and value. And profits were also boosted by the company managing costs very carefully.
The company said that in 2024 the beauty market grew across all categories and the shift to e-commerce that had been seen during the pandemic is continuing with market growth in the online business almost three times faster than in physical stores.
It added that it gained market share across all channels and in fragrances, haircare and make-up last year in the UK.
The company is continuing to perform well in the market and said it’s confident of seeing good growth despite the economic backdrop. It also expects its profit margins to be maintained at healthy levels.
Hair and skin brand Seen has announced its retail expansion with Ulta Beauty.
Seen expands into all Ulta Beauty stores nationwide. – Seen
Following a successful debut in 2023 through Ulta Beauty’s Sparked platform for emerging brands, Seen will expand into over 1,400 Ulta Beauty stores nationwide as of this month.
“We are truly grateful for the partnership with Ulta Beauty and thrilled to expand Seen’s presence into all stores nationwide,” said Iris Rubin MD, Harvard-trained dermatologist and co-founder of Seen.
“Ulta Beauty has been an incredible partner, and this milestone represents a pivotal moment for our brand. Ulta Beauty guests deserve products that deliver stronger, smoother, healthier-looking hair, and are safe for all skin types, including sensitive, acne-prone, and eczema-prone skin. With Ulta Beauty’s nationwide reach, we are excited to offer Seen to even more consumers who are looking for haircare solutions that deliver proven results for their hair, skin, and scalp.”
Seen has established itself as a leader in the “skinification” of haircare, bringing advanced dermatological science to a category traditionally focused on aesthetics alone. The brand’s patented, award-winning formulas are clean, vegan, cruelty-free, and clinically proven to support both hair and skin health.
“We are thrilled to expand on our existing partnership with Seen, offering the brand exclusively in all stores nationwide,” added Penny Coy, senior vice president of merchandising, Ulta Beauty.
“Our engaged hair care and skin care loving guests are more informed than ever before, actively seeking Seen’s products because they not only deliver results but also address their specific hair and skin concerns with dermatologist-developed solutions. We are so proud of the brand’s growth over the years, from launching in select doors through Sparked, to being an exemplary Conscious Beauty brand, certified across all five pillars including vegan, clean ingredients, cruelty-free, sustainable packaging and give back, and now launching in all stores nationwide. We are looking forward to having new and existing guests discover and incorporate the brand’s efficacious formulas in their beauty routine’s this year and beyond.”
DHL Express, a division of Germany’s Deutsche Post, said it would suspend global business-to-consumer shipments worth over $800 to individuals in the United States from April 21, as U.S. customs regulatory changes have lengthened clearance.
Reuters
The notice on the company website was not dated, but its metadata showed it was compiled on Saturday.
DHL blamed the halt on new U.S. customs rules which require formal entry processing on all shipments worth over $800. The minimum had been $2,500 until a change on April 5.
DHL said business-to-business shipments would not be suspended but could face delays. Shipments under $800 to either businesses or consumers were not affected by the changes.
The move is a temporary measure, the company said in its statement.
DHL said last week in response to Reuters questions that it would continue to process shipments from Hong Kong to the United States “in accordance with the applicable customs rules and regulations” and would “work with our customers to help them understand and adapt to the changes that are planned for May 2.”
That came after Hongkong Post said last week it had suspended mail services for goods sent by sea to the United States, accusing the U.S. of “bullying” after Washington cancelled tariff-free trade provisions for packages from China and Hong Kong.
Celine has launched the ‘Été Celine’ collection, an elevated summer offering designed to move seamlessly from city to coastlines.
Celine launches the Été Celine collection. – Celine
Inspired by the elegance of the French Riviera and Saint-Tropez, the collection reinterprets timeless summer dressing through the lens of modern minimalism, featuring ready-to-wear pieces and raffia bags that showcase refined craftsmanship and texture.
Été Celine also debuts a new Celine Lifestyle Collection, an extension of the maison’s aesthetic into the realm of interiors and leisure. The lifestyle line features decorative objects, furniture for indoor and outdoor use, and a curated selection of beach accessories.
Adding a final sensorial layer to the collection is the latest addition to Celine Haute Parfumerie. Dubbed un ‘Été Français’, the fragrance captures the spirit of a French summer with a powdery, ambered trail that mirrors the sunlit sensuality of the season. It features notes of bergamot, petit-grain, neroli, gorse and vanilla accords.