Japanese cosmetics maker Shiseido plans to expand distribution of its high-end Nars brand beyond Hong Kong into Mainland China, using e-commerce site WeShop.
Founded by makeup artist Francois Nars, the brand became a Shiseido subsidiary in 2000. It is mainly sold in department stores in about 30 countries and territories including Hong Kong, Japan and Southeast Asia. After launching sales through WeShop at the end of this month, Shiseido plans to launch a Nars store in Shanghai’s Raffles City next month. It will be selling foundation, lipstick, eyeliner and other products for around RMB350 (US$52).
Shiseido may also release Dolce & Gabbana makeup and perfume in China following its acquisition of production and sales rights last year.
Chinese sales reached ¥120.5 billion (US$1 billion) last year for Shiseido, advancing 11.4 per cent on a local currency basis. The Chinese unit turned an operating profit of ¥4.2 billion after a ¥500 million operating loss the previous year.
