Sephora Says It Will Double Its Black-Owned Brands by Year’s End

Sephora said it will more than double the number of Black-owned brands it carries by the end of 2021, part of the beauty retailer’s efforts to boost diversity among its suppliers and in its ranks.

The LVMH-owned beauty retailer also said Black-owned brands will represent 15 percent of its hair care segment by year’s end. Sephora is looking to fulfil its commitments under the 15 Percent Pledge, an initiative that promotes racial equality in retail.

Products sold by Black-owned businesses still represent only a small percentage of the company’s goods. Out of nearly 300 beauty brands that Sephora carries, only 16 of them are currently Black-owned, the company said.

The moves follow up on last year’s program to elevate minority-led brands with better access to grants and venture capital.

Sephora has more than 500 stores in the Americas and sells products from brands such as Dior and Tom Ford.

By Gerald Porter Jr.

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Retailers Pledged Action on Diversity. Delivery Is Proving More Elusive.

Public pressure, especially from the 15 Percent Pledge, pushed many US-focused businesses to disclose information and promise progress, but the industry is still largely in a planning and promises stage.