​When a results release starts with a message to the staff talking about “another very tough year”, you know it’s not going to be good and so it was with John Lewis Partnership on Thursday.

Global beauty company Coty Inc. announced on Wednesday an update on its financial progress and guidance for fiscal 2023, as well as future growth opportunities. 

​It’s a big news week for John Lewis with its results due Thursday and a new concept store layout unveiled Tuesday. And Wednesday? Just the small matter of a new CEO.

The Brazilian beauty giant that owns The Body Shop, Aesop and Avon, talked of “a resilient performance” in Q4 with sales growth in constant currency. But sales still fell on a reported basis and it made a net loss.

Nest New York announced on Thursday the appointment of Edgar Huber as chief executive officer, effective March 1. 

Swiss antitrust authorities on Wednesday named four companies targeted in an international investigation into an alleged fragrances cartel.

​UK online retail sales fell 4.1% last month compared to a year ago, the latest IMRG report has shown. Sales were down 7.8% compared to January and clothing had a tough time during the month.

Swiss fragrance and flavour maker Givaudan said on Tuesday that it is being investigated by European Union and Swiss antitrust regulators and that it was cooperating with them.  

​With Sephora due to open its debut UK store on Wednesday, an analyst on Tuesday said the French beauty giant poses a threat to established market leaders, but must be seen as offering value in order to succeed.

​Carolina Herrera will be staging its first-ever runway presentation outside of New York City on 1 June. The luxury label will decamp to Rio de Janeiro in Brazil to unveil its Resort 2024 collection.

​UK consumer and retail spend last month was OK, but not brilliant as Valentine's Day provided support for the jewellery and beauty categories, but non-essentials (especially clothing) were largely off the priority list.

LVMH on Monday named Stephane Rinderknech as chairman and CEO of its beauty division, rounding out a series of broader management changes at the owner of Guerlain and Parfums Christian Dior.

​The West End of London is recovering fast at present, updated figures from the New West End Company (NWEC) showed on Wednesday, as high-spending tourists cancel out slower footfall. 

Inter Parfums Inc. announced on Tuesday record full-year 2022 net sales, with all regions contributing to the growth, prompting the fragrance maker to update its 2023 guidance. 

Fragrance and flavor giant IFF announced on Monday the appointment of Kevin O’Byrne to its board of directors, to support the ongoing execution of the company’s strategic transformation and long-term financial vision.

​Sephora is preparing for a major assault on the UK market from next week as it prepares to open its first British store since it returned to the country via its webstore last autumn.