In keeping with their promise to bring the local market the best the world has to offer, Woolworths is to expand its new beauty offering by introducing some of the world’s most wanted, best-known, most exciting beauty and hair care brands, a number of which will be available exclusively in South Africa at selected Woolworths stores around the country. “We’ve listened to our customers, looked at global trends and talked to experts,” says Amanda Graham, Woolworths Beauty Group Head. “We went through quite an exhaustive process and have selected not only the premium brands our customers have told us they would like, but also a number of innovative, cutting-edge brands that we think they’ll find quite exciting. We believe we’re offering something for everyone – from the woman who wants the latest in high-tech cosmeceuticals to someone who can’t wait to try the latest hot international colour.” Among the favourite brands which will be available at Woolworths are Lancome, Clarins and Gatineau. Another name that South Africans may recognise is Dr Hauschka, a range of skin care products from Germany which were previously only available through beauty salons and health stores. Woolworths will also be bringing in a number of top imported ranges, previously unavailable in South Africa and will be the exclusive retailer for these innovative international ranges. These include REN; black | Up; Elemis’ aromatherapy-based skin and body products; the young, vibrant Bloom Cosmetics; the Korres range of natural body, skin and hair care products from Greece; the ‘cosmeceutical’ range Freeze 24/7; and Toni & Guy haircare products for women and men. “One of the most exciting new products we’re introducing is Freeze 24/7,” says Amanda Graham. “It’s one of the most advanced technologies in the skincare market today – a ‘cosmeceutical’ that, like botox, relaxes the muscles underlying the skin to visibly reduce the appearance of lines and wrinkles – nature not needles!” Woolworths has also been appointed as the exclusive retailer for Freeze 24/7. With so many new choices available, women will be glad to know that trained Woolworths beauty consultants will be on hand to assist in choosing the best products for their individual needs. Woolworths will also be launching a number of international luxury names in fragrances for both men and women, including Yves St Laurent, Lacoste, Dolce & Gabbana, Gucci, Mont Blanc, DKNY, Aramis and Tommy Hilfiger. Added to this, eight flagship stores nationally are launching a brand-new beauty ‘store within a store’ environment comparable with the finest in the world. Sandton, Cavendish, Canal Walk, Eastgate, Cresta, Menlyn, Tygervalley and Gateway Woolworths stores are launching their beauty areas throughout the October to December period, with more stores to follow in 2007. At these stores customers will not only be able to purchase their favourite beauty products – they will also be able to enjoy a pampering ‘mini spa’ treatment. Woolworths has linked up with Sanctuary Spas, whose highly skilled beauty therapists will be able to offer a range of services including manicures and head & neck massages. Says Amanda Graham, “Beauty at Woolworths isn’t just about the products. It’s about the convenience of being able to pick up a lipstick or a moisturiser at the same time you’re doing your other shopping. It’s also about being able to relax and spoil yourself and enjoy a 15 or 30 minute facial, massage or other indulgent treatment on offer. It’s about us finding another way to make a difference in our customers’ lives.” ENDS NOTES FOR EDITORS Why is Woolworths launching branded cosmetics and fragrances? We have taken a decision to offer our customers the best the world has to offer. In the beauty arena, that means we will be carrying some of the world’s most-wanted brands as well as some exciting international brands which will be available exclusively through Woolworths. Which brands are exclusive to Woolworths? With the exception of the more generally available lines such as Clarins, Lancome and Gatineau, Decleor and the Dr Hauschka range of skin care products which is available through boutiques and health shops, all the other brands will be available only at Woolworths. These include REN, Elemis, Bloom, Korres and Toni & Guy, as well as Freeze 24/7. Which brands are new to South Africa? While they are very well known and respected internationally, brands like REN, black | Up, Elemis, Freeze 24/7, Bloom, Korres and Toni & Guy are new to South Africa. Does this new offering include products for men? Yes, there are men’s products available within the Ren, Elemis and Clarins ranges and there will be a strong men’s offering under the Woolworths label in the new year.