Cosmetics retailer Rituals is to open its first UK store at the east end of Oxford Street tomorrow.
The privately owned Dutch store group intends to launch up to 250 stores in the country over the next 10 years. Two further shops will open this year, in London’s St Pancras International station and Windsor. Rituals has set its sights on at least 15 openings next year and also wants to open concessions in UK department stores.
The retailer is the brainchild of founder and chief executive Raymond Cloosterman, who previously worked for Unilever for 12 years. The concept combines ancient beauty rituals with modern design and technology to create products such as a shaving cream that is based on a Samurai warrior shaving ritual.
The chain carries more than 400 products for men and women and categories include bath and body, perfume, make-up and home items such as candles and washing-up liquid. Prices range from €5 to €25 (£3.49 to£17.46).
Cloosterman said: “We’ve been described as zen in a jar and want our customers to consider body and home as a place of sanctuary. We want customers to rediscover the magic in everyday life and offer high-end products at affordable prices.”
Rituals has 70 stores in eight countries.
German womenswear retailer Bonita is on the hunt for 10 sites to test its brand in the UK. It hopes to develop a chain of about 400 stores here. Property agents Capital Retail, Jones Lang LaSalle and Keenan & Co are searching for sites of about 1,200 sq ft.
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