Sephora UK has chosen DHL Supply Chain as its lead logistics provider as the company looks to expand its in-store presence in the region.

The five-year deal will also see the opening of a new omnichannel distribution centre in Coventry, which is entirely powered by renewable energy.

DHL will take charge of the French multinational's warehousing, e-commerce fulfilment, and transport network as the retailer looks to expand in the UK.

“Sephora UK’s new omnichannel distribution centre is powered by DHL’s first carbon neutral site, and is a significant milestone in our sustainability journey," said Sarah Boyd, UK managing director, Sephora. "The transition of our supply chain to this state-of-the-art facility is an absolutely pivotal project that underpins our UK expansion."

The cosmetics giant relaunched in the UK in October 2022, when the Feelunique website - bought by the company for £135 million - became Sephora.co.uk.

In March last year, the company opened its first UK store at Westfield White City, London. Sephora has since opened stores in Westfield Stratford City, London and the Trafford Centre in Manchester.

Sephora has further plans to launch two sites in Newcastle, one of which opens on Friday, and a store at Birmingham's Bullring and Grand Central centre later this year.

Sephora and DHL have worked closely together to design a supply chain operation to meet the company’s expansion plans and help cement the business as a "leader in the UK beauty market". The logistics company, for example, is deploying pick assisting robots to support Sephora's fluctuating demand.

The companies say they will work in close partnership to ensure the supply chain operation and inventory levels are able to support peaks as a result of sales and marketing such as "influencer driven demand."

DHL said its e-commerce fulfilment will enable the retailer to offer customers later cut off times and enhanced product availability.

---