ChangeUp, one of the award-winning experience agencies, recently announced the release of its latest survey, Beyond Transactions: Navigating Beauty Retail’s New Normal. This comprehensive study uncovers the powerful macro trends redefining what beauty shoppers expect from physical retail in today’s landscape.
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Based on a robust national survey of over 1,600 U.S. beauty shoppers, the report also explores key customer segments and what retailers must do to stay relevant as social media, wellness, and value consciousness transform the industry.
“Today’s beauty shoppers aren’t just buying products – they’re seeking experiences,” said Lynn Gonsior, COO of ChangeUp. “Consumers are looking for spaces that deliver discovery, inspiration, and authentic connections that even the best digital experience can’t replicate. Our research proves that physical retail still plays a crucial role in the beauty journey, but it needs to change.”
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Key findings from the report include:
- 69% say shopping for beauty is overwhelming – and it’s driving them away from physical stores.
- 63% wish beauty stores were about more than just buying products.
- 83% say they’ve become more value conscious when buying beauty products.
- Almost half of respondents think beauty trends change so quickly, and physical retail hasn’t caught up.
- Two dominant beauty consumer segments emerged: Glow-Getters and Savvy Substitutors – each with unique expectations and shopping behaviors that illustrate changing priorities.
- All shoppers report they prefer specialty beauty, yet the satisfaction of drug and mass retailers vary by customer segment.
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ChangeUp’s research also reveals significant differences in consumers’ satisfaction of shopping experiences across a range of retailers including Sephora, Ulta, Nordstrom, Walgreens, Target, and more.
With actionable insights on store design, consumer segmentation, and retail strategy, ChangeUp’s beauty report serves as a strategic guide for brands ready to lead in the evolving beauty landscape.
The full report is available at ChangeUp’s official website.
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