LONDON — Sephora has no plans to open its own stores in Israel, the popular LVMH-owned beauty retailer said on Wednesday, denying media reports that it would launch its first stores in the country later this month, while confirming a partnership with an Israeli retailer.
Sephora Collection, the company’s own beauty brand, has signed a temporary resale agreement with Israeli retailer Glam42, Sephora said in a statement, adding the products would be available in some Glam42 stores in Israel starting at the end of August.
Glam42 did not immediately reply to a request for comment.
Reports had said the franchiser would simultaneously open three stores — at Tel Aviv’s Azrieli Center, the Ayalon Mall in Ramat Gan and the Malha Mall in Jerusalem — and five “corners” (boutiques located inside other shops) on August 20.
After Israeli media reports about Sephora opening stores, a social media account run by Israel’s Foreign Ministry posted: “Welcome to Israel, Sephora!”
Sephora’s partnership with Glam42 comes as brands doing business in Israel are under pressure from an anti-Israel boycott movement that has grown since the Hamas-led October 7, 2023, massacre of southern Israel sparked the war in Gaza and conflict on other fronts.
The beauty chain offers a range of makeup and skincare products, as well as fragrances.
Times of Israel staff contributed to this report.
