Very Unveils New Beauty Inspiration Hub to Elevate Customer Experience and Drive Sales

Table of Contents

1. Key Highlights
2. Introduction
3. The Beauty Landscape: Historical Context
4. The Addition of the Beauty Inspiration Hub
5. A Technological Transformation: The Role of Skyscape
6. Implications for Sales Growth
7. Real-World Examples: The Power of Engagement
8. Future Outlook: Trends to Watch
9. FAQ

Key Highlights

• The Very Group launches its Beauty Inspiration Hub aimed at reshaping how customers engage with beauty products online.
• The initiative is part of a broader strategy that includes a new Beauty Studio and aims to leverage technological advancements to enrich the shopping experience.
• The beauty category has seen a 6.3% year-over-year growth in sales, highlighting a shift in market dynamics that the new hub seeks to capitalize on.

Introduction

Imagine stepping into a store where every product is presented with not just a price tag, but with stories, education, and guidance tailored just for you. This is the experience that The Very Group aims to create with its new Beauty Inspiration Hub, launched in March 2025. As consumer behaviors shift increasingly towards online shopping, major retail players like Very are compelled to innovate how they present their product offerings, especially in categories as complex and personal as beauty. The launch of this hub is not just about expanding product lines; it represents a concerted effort to inspire, educate, and ultimately transform the consumer shopping experience in an ever-competitive digital marketplace.

At the crux of this initiative is the recognition that consumers today seek more than just a transaction; they crave an informed and engaging shopping journey. This article dives into the motivations behind the launch, its technological backbone, and the anticipated impact on Very’s beauty category.

The Beauty Landscape: Historical Context

The online beauty market has undergone radical transformations over the past decade, primarily fueled by changing consumer preferences and the rise of e-commerce giants. Historically, beauty shopping was dominated by brick-and-mortar establishments where retailers played gatekeepers to information. However, as platforms such as Sephora and Ulta ushered in a new era of online retailing, the necessity for a comprehensive digital experience became omnipresent.

In the UK, the beauty sector's evolution mirrors these trends, with a reported increase in online beauty sales amid pandemic-induced shopping behavior changes. Retailers have had to adapt quickly, not only offering products but also creating spaces that educate and connect with consumers on a more personal level.

The Addition of the Beauty Inspiration Hub

The recent launch of the Beauty Inspiration Hub is a direct response to the changing landscape. Positioned to enhance customer experience, the hub features a rich assortment of blog-style content designed to educate shoppers on beauty products and trends. Sam Wright, Chief Commercial & Strategy Officer, emphasized that the content aims to mirror the in-store experience digitally, providing insights that help customers make informed choices.

1. Key Features of the Hub:
   • Educational Content: Articles, tutorials, and tips designed to engage customers and deepen their understanding of beauty products.
   • Trend Spotlights: Highlighting key beauty trends that cater to changing customer preferences.
   • Ingredient Awareness: Educating customers about various ingredients and their benefits to empower informed purchasing decisions.

By integrating storytelling into product marketing, Very seeks to cultivate a deeper emotional connection with its consumers, a strategy that is becoming increasingly critical in today’s market.

A Technological Transformation: The Role of Skyscape

At the heart of this initiative lies a significant technological upgrade with the introduction of Skyscape, Very's new cloud-based system. Labeled the “biggest tech transformation” in the company's history, Skyscape facilitated the complete re-platforming of their technology stack to enhance the customer experience radically.

Components of Skyscape:

• Responsive Design: Ensures a seamless shopping experience across all devices, catering to the proliferating use of mobile shopping.
• Amplience Content Management System: This enables the effective delivery of dynamic content that can be updated in real-time, ensuring that customers receive the latest and most relevant information.
• The Fuse Design System: Built using reusable and accessible design components, the Fuse system enhances usability and accessibility, making it easier for consumers of all backgrounds to navigate the platform.

Benefits:

• Streamlined Navigation: Customers can now shop by trend, ingredient, or brand, making the journey through the vast array of beauty products more intuitive.
• User-Friendly Experience: The emphasis on accessibility means that all interactions are designed with user experience at the forefront, invalidating common pain points in online shopping.

Implications for Sales Growth

The launch of the Beauty Inspiration Hub is poised to have significant implications for Very’s sales performance. With a reported 6.3% year-over-year growth in the beauty category so far in FY25, it is clear that the company's efforts to diversify its beauty offerings are yielding positive results.

Market Analysis

• Increased Brand Consideration: Data shows that brand consideration for Very's beauty products has surged by nearly 20% compared to the previous year, indicating that customers are starting to recognize and trust the brand's beauty selection more.
• Cross-Category Shopping: Wright noted that a large portion of Very's beauty customers also engages with other retail categories. This cross-category buying behavior underlines the potential for growth if the Beauty Inspiration Hub can convert fashion shoppers into beauty buyers.

Real-World Examples: The Power of Engagement

To truly understand the potential impact of the Beauty Inspiration Hub, one needs to look at successful initiatives in the beauty retail sector. Brands like Glossier and Fenty Beauty have successfully built brand loyalty through educational and community-engaging platforms.

• Glossier: Their website features extensive content that encourages user interaction, educating buyers about products while creating a community voice through reviews and user-generated content.
• Fenty Beauty: They utilize social media to engage with their customer base, creating an aspirational yet relatable persona that resonates deeply with shoppers.

These brands exemplify how education, engagement, and community can drive not only product sales but also long-lasting brand loyalty.

Future Outlook: Trends to Watch

As the Beauty Inspiration Hub continues to evolve, several trends are likely to emerge that could further shape the retail landscape for Very:

1. Expansion into Inclusivity: As discussions around diversity in beauty products gain traction, Very may explore more inclusive product offerings that cater to diverse skin tones and types.
2. Integration of AR/VR: Future technological advancements may enable virtual try-ons and augmented reality experiences that could further engage customers and assist in product selection.
3. Sustainability: Consumer demand for eco-friendly and sustainable products is on the rise; thus, Very may look to incorporate green initiatives into their beauty offerings, aligning with customer values and enhancing brand image.

FAQ

What is the purpose of the Beauty Inspiration Hub?

The Beauty Inspiration Hub is designed to educate and inspire customers about beauty products, helping them to make informed purchasing decisions while enhancing their overall shopping experience.

What technological improvements have been made to improve the user experience?

The introduction of Skyscape, a cloud-based system, allows for responsive design, streamlined navigation, and real-time content updates, significantly enhancing the user experience.

How will the new hub impact sales?

The hub aims to increase customer engagement with beauty products, ultimately driving sales growth, which has already been positively affected, with a reported 6.3% increase in sales in FY25.

What are the key features of the Beauty Inspiration Hub?

It includes educational content, trend spotlights, and an easy-to-navigate shopping experience allowing customers to filter products by trend, ingredient, or brand.

How does Very plan to enhance inclusivity in beauty selections?

While specific plans are not currently outlined, the growing trend towards inclusivity in beauty suggests that Very could expand its product range to cater to a wider diversity of skin tones and needs.

In a time where consumer options are abundant, the need to connect with customers on a deeper level has never been more essential. The Very Group's commitment to enhancing the beauty shopping experience through the Beauty Inspiration Hub not only reflects an industry-wide trend toward immersion and education but also sets a framework for future growth in a competitive landscape.