Sephora to Launch First Store in Ireland, Opening February 12

Sephora UK has announced the grand opening of its first store in Ireland, set to launch on February 12, 2026. This significant expansion places the new location in the bustling Victoria Square shopping complex in Belfast, marking a milestone for the beauty retailer as its 13th store in the UK. The announcement follows a period of anticipation, sparked by the appearance of hoarding featuring Sephora’s iconic black and white branding at the site.

The upcoming store will span 2,550 square feet and is described as a “beauty playground” in the heart of Belfast’s primary shopping area. This store will introduce several exclusive brands to Ireland for the first time, including Hailey Bieber’s rhode and Lady Gaga’s Haus Labs. Other notable brands featured will include Makeup By Mario, Merit Beauty, INNBeauty Project, and Tower 28. Customers can also look forward to popular names such as Tatcha, Glossier, Glow Recipe, Rare Beauty, Sol De Janeiro, and Kosas on the shelves.

Expansion Plans and Community Engagement

Sephora UK has ambitious plans for growth, having opened five new stores in the UK during 2025, including locations in Liverpool One, Sheffield Meadowhall, Manchester Arndale, Cardiff St David’s, and Oxford Westgate. The company aims to reach a total of 20 stores in the UK by the end of 2026, with the next store set to open in Cabot Circus, Bristol, this spring.

The Belfast store’s opening will feature a celebratory event, which Sephora UK describes as an “iconic moment.” The event will showcase local talent, curated experiences, and culinary delights from renowned local eateries. There is also the potential for on-the-spot prizes, with more details expected to be shared via the official Instagram account, @sephoraUK.

According to Sarah Boyd, managing director of Sephora UK, this opening represents a significant step in the company’s commitment to expanding its presence in Northern Ireland. “With this opening, we are bringing our beauty playgrounds to all corners of the nation,” she stated. “Belfast is a city filled with important history and areas of outstanding natural beauty, and we cannot wait to become a part of the local community.”

Impact on Retail Landscape

The arrival of Sephora UK is viewed as a pivotal development for Victoria Square. Julie King, senior asset manager at Commerz Real, emphasized the significance of this opening, stating that securing Sephora underscores the strength of Victoria Square as the city’s premier retail destination. She remarked, “This is a powerful endorsement of the strength and appeal of Victoria Square, meeting evolving consumer demand for premium, experiential retail experiences.”

The addition of Sephora UK further solidifies Belfast’s status as a key retail hotspot, both on the island of Ireland and in the broader UK market. As the company prepares for its first store opening in Northern Ireland, the excitement among beauty enthusiasts and local residents continues to build.