Sephora Is Reopening 70 Stores in 13 States Starting May 22 [Update]
Here's the lowdown on how to subscribe to Allure's print edition for more beauty routines, recommendations, and features.
UPDATE (June 5, 2020): As local governments began the phased reopening of businesses, Sephora started with the opening of 70 brick-and-mortar locations across 30 states on May 22. Although the beauty retailer had planned to continue to pace itself and open locations as local health conditions permitted, current events have placed additional limitations on further reopenings and changed some of the already-reopened stores' plans.
"We are deeply saddened by the recent loss of George Floyd and the pain experienced by African Americans and communities of color across America," reads a statement from Sephora supplied to Allure. "While there was some damage to several stores in various metro areas across the country, we will make the necessary repairs. In states where we'd begun our phased reopening, we will reopen only when it is safe to do so."
The retailer goes on to say that other stores that were not yet scheduled to reopen will remain closed for the time being. "All employees staffed at these stores will be paid and receive benefits as planned, as well as access to counseling and support resources," the statement reads. "Right now, the safety of our employees and clients is our most important priority."
This post originally appeared on May 20, 2020: In mid-March, Sephora was among the first of the major nonessential retail establishments to voluntarily limit and subsequently shut down its store operations in response to the coronavirus pandemic. Initially, in-store events like makeup-artist services and classes were suspended to support social-distancing recommendations and prevent the kind of contact that could lead to virus transmission; a week later, the company announced the temporary closure of all of its brick-and-mortar stores. But now that many states have begun phases of reopening, Sephora has announced its plans for carefully letting customers back in.
On Tuesday, May 19, Sephora announced that, starting May 22, it will be reopening 70 locations across 30 states, specifically in communities the retailer has deemed safest. "The retailer has spent the last nine weeks developing its rigorous new safety and client service protocols, called 'Sephora Health & Hygiene Guidelines,' designed to protect employees and clients while safely and confidently providing support, expert advice, and a welcoming experience for all," the press release reads.
The Sephora Health & Hygiene Guidelines include updated employee training and 48 safety procedures that address social distancing and restricted store capacity (for example, a line coordinator who will ensure adequate space between shoppers), deep cleaning and enhanced hygiene measures (including hand sanitizer through the store and a designated hygiene leader in each store), mandatory face masks for all employees (and in some locations, for all shoppers), temperature checks and the beginning and middle of each employee's shift, and updated payment practices (like only every other register being open in order to maintain distance, and contact-free payment options)
Testers will be off-limits — though they will be out for display — and in-store services will remain unavailable for now. Sephora has also continued to extend its return policy to accept returns with receipts for all purchases made just prior to and during the shutdown for 30 days after each store reopens. To be especially cautious, returned products will be destroyed.
"Select Sephora stores in Colorado, Indiana, Kansas, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Georgia, Alaska, Arkansas, Arizona, and Alabama will be part of this initial group to open on May 22," the press release says. "Prior to moving ahead with any future store openings, Sephora will evaluate each store based on local government and health guidance before making a decision. As always, Sephora will continue to assess business operations through all reopening phases and as states and cities share their requirements to adapt accordingly. Additional Sephora stores are expected to open gradually over the next several months."
For additional information and updates, visit the Sephora Community website.
More about beauty shopping:
Now check out Emma Chamberlain's entire routine:
Follow Marci on Instagram and Twitter, or subscribe to Allure's newsletter for daily beauty stories delivered right to your inbox.
Originally Appeared on Allure
