Beginning May 22, beauty giant Sephora is reopening doors to more than 70 locations across 13 states. However, the experiential environment we’ve come to love will, understandably, look much different.
“The retailer has spent the last nine weeks developing its rigorous new safety and client service protocols, called ‘Sephora Health & Hygiene Guidelines,’ designed to protect employees and clients while safely and confidently providing support, expert advice, and a welcoming experience for all,” an official press release reads. The guidelines include nearly 50 safety procedures and extensive employee training.
The company has announced that store reopenings will occur in phases. The first, underway now, includes more than 490 stores, and 660 in-store shops at J.C. Penney, and will be across 13 states: Alaska, Arkansas, Arizona, Alabama, Colorado, Indiana, Kansas, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah and Georgia.
With a goal of creating “the safest Sephora experience possible,” each reopened location will follow the newfound Health & Hygiene Guidelines, which includes the following:
Social distancing rules
All stores will have restricted store capacities to allow for proper social distancing guidelines. “Clients will be greeted by a line coordinator who will ensure adequate space and service levels, while guiding clients on how to make the most of their visit,” the press release reads. Six-foot markers will also be placed at lines in front of registers and entrances.
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Enhanced hygiene measures
All stores will now receive a deep-cleaning prior to reopening and will be equipped with hygiene supplies and hand sanitizer throughout the floor. Teams will be cleaning the stores throughout the day.
Testers are off limits
Testers will now be used for display only and in-store services are suspended until further notice. Shopping assistance and recommendations will be available through Sephora’s suite of virtual tools and advisors.
Masks will be provided, required for employees
All employees will wear face masks and Sephora will provide disposable masks for shoppers to wear in-store. Face coverings will be mandated in some locations according to regional guidelines.
Temperature checks
All employees’ temperatures will be taken at the beginning and middle of each shift.
An updated return policy
Sephora has extended its return policy and will be accepting returns with receipts for all purchases made just prior to and during the shutdown for 30 days after store opening. All products returned will be destroyed until further notice to protect shoppers and employees.
New payment guidelines
Every other register will be closed to promote social distancing inside the store, and shoppers will be encouraged to use contactless payment options. According to the press release, “All payment screens will be sanitized before and after every transaction, baskets and bags will be sanitized, and plexiglass screens will be implemented in all stores.”
Staff hygiene training
Each store will now have a designated Hygiene Leader who will oversee these new guidelines and stress its adherence.
States included in phase two of Sephora’s reopening plan have yet to be determined. “Prior to moving ahead with any future store openings, Sephora will evaluate each store based on local government and health guidance before making a decision,” the press release reads. “As always, Sephora will continue to assess business operations through all reopening phases and as states and cities share their requirements to adapt accordingly. Additional Sephora stores are expected to open gradually over the next several months.”
For additional information and to keep up with local updates, visit the Sephora Community website.
