NEWS insideSTORY
VIRAL BEAUTY BRAND SEPHORA OPENS ITS DOORS AT BLUEWATER SHOPPING CENTRE
Following the news that Sephora would continue their UK expansion at Bluewater this year , the shopping centre opened their newest store last month , marking their seventh opening since the retailer ’ s launch into the UK in 2022 . Like all Sephora stores , customers at the Bluewater location will be able to shop from an incredible selection of expertly curated local and global brands that have disrupted the beauty industry across the makeup , travel , fragrance , skincare , haircare , grooming and wellness categories .
As part of the unparalleled shopping experience that Sephora strives to provide , the ‘ beauty playground ’ at the new store will feature Sephora ’ s famous in-store beauty services for a truly immersive and transformative experience . From quickfire on-the-go treatments to fullhour complete ‘ glam looks ’, Sephora ’ s talented team of beauty advisors will offer an array of bookable services across makeup , skincare , hair and brows . With the festive season now in full swing , there ’ s never been a better time to visit Bluewater ’ s viral beauty store for everything from stocking fillers to pampering experiences .
LONDON GATWICK APPEALS FOR KENT CHARITIES TO APPLY FOR FUNDING
Local charities and support organisations in Kent are urged to apply for funding from the Gatwick Airport Community Trust , which is now open again for applications . Around £ 250,000 will be made available to worthy causes across parts of Kent , Surrey and Sussex .
Earlier this year , St Mary ’ s Ukrainian School in Tunbridge Wells received £ 1,197 to buy sports and arts equipment for displaced Ukrainian children . “ St Mary ’ s has become a safe haven for these children ,” said Rimma Tertytska , settings manager at St Mary ’ s . “ We are incredibly thankful for this support and will use the funding to enhance the learning environment with art supplies such as easels , watercolour paper and paints , and brushes , as well as sports equipment like balls , rackets , nets and much more .”
“ We ’ re looking forward to supporting local groups and charities again as we open our annual appeal for good causes throughout Kent , Surrey and Sussex to apply for funding from the Gatwick Airport Community Trust ,” added Melanie Wrightson , stakeholder engagement manager at London Gatwick .
The deadline for community groups to apply to the trust , which has been running for more than 20 years , is 31 March 2025 ; for more information , visit gact . org . uk .
HARIBO TO BRING CHILDLIKE HAPPINESS TO BLUEWATER WITH ITS ELEVENTH UK RETAIL STORE
Bluewater Shopping Centre is about to become even sweeter as HARIBO UK announces its 11th UK retail store opening . The news comes after the success of last year ’ s Hide N ’ Seekers event , which saw HARIBO bringing the UK ’ s largest ball pit , fully stocked with delicious prizes and treats , to the UK ’ s fifth largest shopping centre . The new store , which is expected to open early 2025 , will allow fans to indulge in moments of fun and happiness all year round .
“ We ’ re thrilled to bring more childlike happiness to Kent with our Bluewater store ,” said Rebecca Fox , head of retail at HARIBO UK . “ As our 11th retail store in the UK , and the first outside of an outlet , this is an exciting time for the business as we continue to invest in our retail offering across the UK . We can ’ t wait for HARIBO lovers to explore this happy world of HARIBO when we open the doors in the new year !”
“ We know that our guests will enjoy the experiential shopping experience they ’ re set to receive at the new HARIBO store ,” added James Waugh , centre director at Bluewater . “ We ’ re sure it will add something truly unique to their Bluewater shopping experience .” www . insidekent . co . uk • 191