Walmart enters prestige beauty via partnership with U.K’s Space NK

Walmart is following in the footsteps of two of its rivals and entering the fast-growing prestige beauty market.

The retail giant is teaming up with British retailer Space NK to bring prestige beauty products to Walmart.com, starting March 15, and nearly 250 Walmart stores this summer. The merchandise collection, called Beautyspace, leverages Walmart’s size and scale with Space NK’s assortment. It will launch with a curated assortment of products specifically for the Walmart customer, spanning a variety of price points across skincare, makeup, haircare and bath and body. 

The partnership comes as Target and Kohl’s are looking to gain share in prestige beauty via partnerships. Following the opening of 100 Ulta Beauty at Target shops last year, Target plans to open more than 250 locations by the end of 2022. Kohl’s is adding 400 in-store Sephora shops this year.

Walmart’s new Beautyspace collection features more than 600 products from 15 brands, includes both new and established, some of which are only available at Walmart, with more to come throughout the year.

“As a top beauty destination, Walmart is continuously looking for new ways to wow and surprise customers by expanding our selection and offering convenient access to the best product assortment across beauty,” said Laurie Tessier, merchandising director, prestige beauty, Walmart. “We are thrilled to welcome Space NK to Walmart as the latest move in bringing our customers exciting new additions online and in the beauty aisle.”

Walmart has been entering a variety of brand partnerships that bring curated collections, including exclusive products, from other retailers to its website and stores. One high-profile example is a partnership the discount giant launched with specialty apparel retailer Gap Inc. The two companies teamed up to launch a line of home goods that will is sold exclusively by Walmart, Gap Home.

Space NK opened its first store in 1993, in London’s Covent Garden.

“We are delighted to partner with Walmart to bring prestige beauty to customers across the U.S., delivered through our unique model that makes it easy to connect brands with shoppers,” said Andy Lightfoot, CEO, Space NK. “We have created a proposition for Walmart that we believe will be market-leading called Beautyspace, utilizing our years of expertise in this area. We have curated the very best of beauty for their customers, allowing them to shop prestige beauty when, where and how they choose.”

Walmart operates approximately 10,500 stores and warehouse club locations under 46 banners in 24 countries, as well as e-commerce websites.