Big names' popularity sees The Fragrance Shop enjoying strong year

By

Sandra Halliday

Published
May 3, 2018

The Fragrance Shop saw net sales rising 14% to £121 million in 2017 as the success of new products and the ongoing popularity of big name brands such as Chanel, Jean Paul Gaultier and Emporio Armani drove revenue higher.

The 214-store chain was also helped by store expansion as it opened as many as 33 new sites in the 12-month period, while online sales surged 27%. But profits growth was more modest - although still impressive - with an Ebitda rise of 9.2% to £16.5 million.

CEO Sanjay Vadera said it was “another outstanding year, given the challenging economic climate.” He added that the firm’s strength “highlights the fragrance sector’s resilience with NPD and blockbuster launches such as Scandal, Chanel Gabrielle, Jean Paul Gaultier and Emporio Armani Stronger With You/Because It’s You by far the top performing launches.”

The company is also thinking outside of traditional retailing and said that its Scentaddict subscription service that allows customers to try new scents before they commit to buying them, had been very popular.

Late last year, it also opened a new beauty concept at London’s Westfield Stratford City. The new store is a one-stop location for beauty products and male grooming covering make-up, haircare, skincare, grooming, bath & body, and electricals.