Sephora (France)

Sephora is a French multinational retailer of personal care and beauty products, founded in 1969 by Dominique Mandonnaud in Limoges, France. Initially launched in Paris in 1970, Sephora revolutionized the beauty retail experience with its “assisted self-service” model, allowing customers to test products before purchasing. The brand’s name is derived from the Greek word for beauty and the biblical figure Zipporah. Acquired by LVMH in 1997, Sephora expanded globally, opening its first U.S. store in New York City in 1998. Today, Sephora operates over 2,700 stores worldwide, offering a vast selection of products from nearly 340 brands, including its own Sephora Collection. Known for its innovative retail model and community-driven approach, Sephora continues to lead the prestige beauty market with a focus on inclusivity and customer experience.