Catherine Spindler, President of Sephora Europe & Middle East: “We are convinced that physical retail still has a bright future.”

On February 13, at 19 Rue de la Croix-d’Or, press and influencers were invited to discover the new 318-square-meter Sephora space, located in the middle of Geneva’s main shopping street. Catherine Spindler, President of Sephora Europe, and the Middle East, had traveled there for the occasion.

Even though the luxury sector has suffered a clear slowdown in recent years, the beauty sector has been holding up relatively well. According to a McKinsey study, the global cosmetics industry was worth 450 billion dollars in 2025 and could continue growing at 5% annually until 2030. On this point, the beauty retail chain Sephora—owned by LVMH since 1997—demonstrates notable resilience. In 2025, according to figures published by the group on January 27, selective distribution (of which Sephora is the leader) delivered the strongest performance within the luxury giant, with organic sales growth of 4%. By comparison, Wines & Spirits and Fashion & Leather Goods each fell by 5%, while Perfumes & Cosmetics stagnated at 0%.

Since 2023, the French brand, now present in 35 countries, has been under the general management of Guillaume Motte, who is also a member of LVMH’s executive committee. On January 27, 2025, French executive Catherine Spindler became President of Sephora Europe & Middle East, succeeding Sylvie Moreau. Within the global leadership team, her mission is to develop customer experience with an omnichannel retail approach across European countries, the United Kingdom, and six Middle Eastern markets.

With a career enriched by senior roles across major names in cosmetics, beauty, and later fashion in France, Catherine Spindler quickly perceived the potential of the Swiss market, which she intends to pursue. On the sidelines of the Geneva store’s inauguration—just before it welcomed its first customers—she gave an interview to Luxury Tribune.

Sephora has been present in Switzerland for several years through Manor department stores. Why open a flagship store only now, and what are your ambitions in Switzerland?

When I joined Sephora just over a year ago, relaunching the Swiss market was one of my priorities. We started in 2016 with 24 corners inside Manor stores and a presence in a few shopping centers. We launched our website in 2025, and now this first flagship store on Rue de la Croix-d’Or in Geneva. It’s a very interesting city due to the diversity of its clientele—both local and international—and its strong interest in beauty. We would like to establish ourselves in Zurich.

In a world that is increasingly digital, what role does the physical store play in your retail strategy?