The Tata Group plans to open as many as 20 “beauty tech” stores where it will offer virtual makeup kiosks and digital skin tests to attract young, affluent shoppers.
The launch pits Tata against LVMH’s Sephora and domestic rival Nykaa for a share of the rapid growth beauty and personal care market in the world’s second-most populous country.
Tata is targeting “beauty enthusiasts” in India between the ages of 18 and 45, who are interested in buying foreign cosmetics such as Estee Lauder, M.A.C. and Bobbi Brown, according to a document that names Ellis Brooklyn, Gallinee and The Honest Company as potential partners. In talks with over two dozen companies, Tata is looking for exclusive products for its new stores, said a source familiar with the strategy.
The store opening plans come after Tata launched its beauty shopping app, Tata CLiQ Palette, recently. As a joint venture partner of global brands like Zara and Starbucks, the company is already in brick-and-mortar retail in India.
