U.S cosmetics giant, Coty, is partnering with Chinese retailer, Alibaba in a move set to target valuable Chinese beauty consumers.
The beauty company and online giant are teaming up to install interactive vending machines in the shopping malls of major Chinese cities. Coty will also collaborate with the TMall Innovation Center (Alibaba’s product design division) to develop new products for the Chinese market.
“By combining Coty’s global brands and expertise in beauty with Alibaba’s world-leading data and e-commerce capabilities, we aim to delight Chinese consumers with fresh, innovative and increasingly more personalised experiences both online and offline,” Coty CEO, Camillo Pane said. “This strategic collaboration is an important part of our focus on digital innovation, which underpins our commitment to and growth in China.”
Although Coty currently operates three quarters of its business in the U.S, Chinese sales are growing rapidly. In fact, the conglomerate’s mass market, luxury and professional beauty divisions all delivered double-digit growth in the last fiscal year alone.
Many of Coty’s products are already sold in different outlets in China, with luxury brands such as Tiffany, Gucci and Philosophy available in selective department stores, mass brands in beauty shops, hair salons and convenience stores, and brands such as Philosophy, Max Factor and Wella in TMall’s marketplace.
Image source: @cotypraustralia
