The Franchise Magazine:
A buzz of excitement is following the launch of a new UK franchise opportunity by Stenders. Combining the company’s own natural beauty product range with an original Latvia-themed store design, the retailer is seeking to establish a national network of high street outlets.
Since the launch of The Body Shop in 1976, the demand for ethical cosmetics has increased. Consumer awareness of topics such as animal testing, child labour, fair trade and the environment has resulted in more people questioning the origins of the products in their bathroom cabinets and consequently swapping unethical products for guilt-free ethical versions. This is demonstrated by the results of the Co-operative Bank’s Ethical Consumerism Report 2007, which found that consumer expenditure on ethical cosmetics alone has risen by 22 per cent since 2005.
Today, the UK’s high street plays host to an array of ethical cosmetic retailers all profiting from the growing consumer demand for natural, ethical products, including Lush, The Body Shop, Aveda, Urban Decay and L’Occtaine. Set to bring a fresh, internationally branded approach to the UK market is Latvian concept Stenders. The company manufactures and sells natural, handmade bath products and accessories and its unique branding and old-fashioned shop environment are what will help to distinguish the brand from its competitors within the ethical cosmetic marketplace. Stenders is seeking franchisee candidates in the UK who have an interest in running a profitable business in the bath and cosmetic industry.