Sephora opens first Scottish store in Edinburgh’s St James Quarter
Sephora has opened its first store in Scotland at Edinburgh’s St James Quarter as part of a summer of expansion that will see four new stores launch in eight weeks.
The beauty retailer will also be opening stores on London’s Carnaby Street and at Old Spitalfields Market in the coming days, followed by a site at Glasgow’s Silverburn in August.
Spanning 4,961 square feet, the Edinburgh store is Sephora’s 15th UK location and its third opening of 2026.
Subscribe to TRBFans of the retailer queued to be among the first through the doors, before Sephora UK managing director Sarah Boyd officially cut the ribbon to open the store. The moment was celebrated with a parade through St James Quarter, featuring local talent including DJ Lu, drag artist Sally Saint Scott, and the Red Hot Chilli Pipers.
Boyd said: “Scotland has been one of the most requested locations from our community, so opening our first Scottish store is an incredibly exciting milestone for Sephora UK.
“This opening also marks the beginning of a hugely exciting summer for Sephora UK as we continue expanding our footprint across the country with both destination stores and new boutique formats, allowing us to bring prestige beauty to more communities than ever before.”
Anne Ledgerwood, estate director for St James Quarter, said: “Welcoming such an internationally recognised beauty retailer to the Quarter further strengthens the destination’s appeal and gives visitors the opportunity to experience one of the world’s most sought-after beauty brands right here in Scotland.”
Over the coming weekend, customers visiting the store will be treated to exclusive experiences, entertainment and giveaways to celebrate Sephora’s arrival in Scotland. These will include a tartan-themed photobooth, a chance to feature on the store’s digital billboard outside by sharing queue selfies, and treats from Wingstop, Oakberry and local charity Coffee Saints.
Last month, Sephora announced that it will be bringing its Sephoria immersive beauty experience to London for the first time in October.
