Sephora’s Grand Opening in Belfast: A New Beauty Destination

Excitement is building in Belfast following the opening of Sephora’s first store on the island of Ireland. The beauty retailer’s arrival has been met with enthusiasm from beauty aficionados and retail experts alike, with shoppers eager to explore the new offerings.

A Welcoming Atmosphere

On Thursday morning, shoppers lined the halls of the Victoria Square shopping complex well before the store’s 1 PM opening. The 2,550 sq ft Sephora store, described as a “beauty playground,” features not only a wide array of products but also professional makeup services, giving customers a comprehensive beauty experience.

The new Sephora store is at Belfast’s Victoria Square (Liam McBurney/PA)

This new location introduces a range of viral internet brands, including Hailey Bieber’s rhode and Lady Gaga’s Haus Labs, marking their first availability in Ireland. Other exclusive brands on offer include Makeup By Mario, Merit Beauty, INNBeauty Project, and Tower 28.

Reflecting on the Future

The Belfast Sephora is the first of several new openings planned for 2026, with a second location set to launch in Bristol this spring. Glyn Roberts, CEO of Retail NI, emphasized the store’s significance for the city, noting its potential to attract shoppers and enhance the local economy.

“It’s a fantastic investment… this is the first store on the island and Scotland, so it will quickly become a destination retailer,” Roberts stated.

People queuing for the opening of the new Sephora store (Liam McBurney/PA)

In the wake of recent store closures, this event represents a positive change, showcasing the resilience and potential of the retail sector.

Community Response

Clare Guinness, CEO of the Belfast Chamber of Commerce, expressed the excitement of having such a global brand available locally, highlighting its appeal across different age demographics.

“It’s such a coup to get this over Dublin… We are the second city on the island but we’re the first to have Sephora,” she shared enthusiastically.

Ana Bastos from Dublin at the opening of the new Sephora store (Liam McBurney/PA)

Looking Ahead

Sarah Boyd, Managing Director of Sephora UK, mentioned that bringing Sephora to Belfast has been in the works for two and a half years. She hinted at the possibility of more stores on the island if the Belfast location proves successful.

“We knew there was that community here already… it was a great home for us,” she commented, underlining the enthusiastic response from locals requesting the store.

Sarah Boyd, managing director of Sephora UK and Ireland (Liam McBurney/PA)

Conclusion

Sephora’s opening in Belfast is not just a win for beauty enthusiasts but a hopeful sign of retail resurgence in the area. The store’s diverse range of products and services, along with its inclusive atmosphere, promises to attract visitors of all generations. As the retail landscape continues to evolve, the success of this new Sephora might pave the way for further opportunities in Northern Ireland’s vibrant community.