Sephora adds beauty advisers

Cosmetics retailer Sephora has introduced an elite band of beauty advisers - dubbed personal stylists - to its UK stores.

The consultants roll the skills of a make-up artist and personal shopper into one, and have promised to devote up to an hour to helping Sephora customers select their 'beauty wardrobe'.

Sephora UK sales director Larabella Riaz said the personal stylists had also been specially trained to deal with male customers, using techniques such as avoiding 'feminine language'.

Riaz said the LVMH-owned retailer had a 'strong strategic plan' for the nine-strong UK chain and intends to add a central London store in the short term.

- Analysis: page 10.