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 Sephora opened a new concept store in Shanghai on September 21, 2018 that encourages customers to explore its popular beauty products using interactive technologies like Discovery Tables and Magic Mirrors. SEPHORA Asia president Benjamin Vuchot states that the store offers an excellent customer service that combines the Sephora website with the in-store experience creating an unprecedented omni-channel experience. The store also uses the photo editing app, Meitu, alongside its interactive Ecommerce Walls and Virtual Artist technologies. Sephora is known for using disruptive ideas and technologies to promote creativity and diversity across its stores worldwide since its establishment in Paris in 1969.
"SEPHORA Asian new concept store opens in Shanghai", China.org.cn, September 22, 2018
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SK-II and Sephora both unveiled smart concept stores in Shanghai to attract younger Chinese beauty consumers who prefer an engaging experience that can be shared on social media. The Japanese brand's "Future X" Smart Store uses facial recognition technology and artificial intelligence, working with JD.com that provided technological support. Separately, Sephora partnered with Meitu to create a concept store equipped with interactive e-commerce walls and virtual make-up artists. Emil Lanne of the marketing agency Huge that helped develop the SK-II stores cites the importance of having more colors and beautiful settings in building smart stores to attract younger shoppers. Both brands also use social media influencers to promote their stores.
"In China, Beauty Brands Turn to High-Tech Toys to Plug Their Wares", Jing Daily, October 02, 2018
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 AI is being used to help companies spot unserved opportunities through analyzing online data such as searches, reviews and purchase patterns. Alibaba’s Tmall Innovation Centre helped L'Oréal China as it developed a male beauty line for the Chinese market, while A.S. Watson, which has 14,400 stores in 24 markets worldwide worked with Unilever to launch TRESemmé hair care in China Some smaller brands are using AI to developed personalized products and services. Indian brand, Freewill, uses information about an individual’s hair to create personalized hair products, factoring in data such as city and weather. While Singapore-based Alcheme uses AI to analyze a customer’s selfie to assess skin conditions and select and create personalized skin care products.
"Data is power: Indie beauty brands get personal with big data", Cosmetics Design Asia, October 05, 2018
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 Estée Lauder in Hong Kong is using artificial intelligence for its Wonderland Christmas campaign. The customer becomes a part of a virtual fairy tale by creating their own 3-D avatar using the Quantum Human technology. The promotion, held at various retail venues in Hong Kong, includes pop-ups where shoppers can take a ride on a “magical carousel” in a virtual reality fairytale featuring their avatar.
"AI powers Estee Wonderland Christmas campaign", Inside Retail Asia, October 30, 2018
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