---
title: UK beauty & personal care media reputation tracker – September 2026
canonical_url: https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-beauty-2026-09
type: dataset
publisher: Omniscan
sector: UK Health & Beauty Retailers
period: September 2026
coverage_start: '2026-09-01'
coverage_end: '2026-09-30'
date_published: '2026-10-04'
last_updated: '2026-10-04'
organisations: 9
articles_analysed: 608
mentions: 554
data_download: https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-beauty-2026-09/data.json
summary: Boots had the highest average monthly share of coverage (36.6%) among 9 brands
  in UK earned media from 1 September 2026 to 30 September 2026, ahead of Sephora
  UK (16.6%) and Space NK (14.6%).
---

# UK beauty & personal care media reputation tracker: September 2026 (1 September 2026–30 September 2026)

> Boots had the highest average monthly share of coverage (36.6%) among 9 brands in UK earned media from 1 September 2026 to 30 September 2026, ahead of Sephora UK (16.6%) and Space NK (14.6%). The Perfume Shop had the most favourable net tone (+100). Omniscan analysed 608 articles containing 554 mentions of the brands tracked.

Interactive version: https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-beauty-2026-09

## UK Health & Beauty Retailers ranking by share of coverage, September 2026

| Rank | Organisation | Average monthly share of coverage | Mentions | Positive | Neutral | Negative | Net tone |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| 1 | Boots | 36.6% | 203 | 70% | 24% | 6% | +64 |
| 2 | Sephora UK | 16.6% | 92 | 90% | 10% | 0% | +90 |
| 3 | Space NK | 14.6% | 81 | 84% | 16% | 0% | +84 |
| 4 | Superdrug | 11.2% | 62 | 73% | 19% | 8% | +65 |
| 5 | Holland & Barrett | 9.2% | 51 | 55% | 29% | 16% | +39 |
| 6 | Lush | 4.7% | 26 | 88% | 12% | 0% | +88 |
| 7 | The Perfume Shop | 3.4% | 19 | 100% | 0% | 0% | +100 |
| 8 | The Body Shop | 3.1% | 17 | 59% | 29% | 12% | +47 |
| 9 | Savers | 0.5% | 3 | 33% | 67% | 0% | +33 |

## Brands in detail

### Boots

**Boots leads September coverage through beauty, brand and ownership news**

Boots ranked 1st of 9 by average monthly share of coverage (36.6%) in the UK Health & Beauty Retailers benchmark for September 2026, with 203 mentions and a net tone of +64.

Boots ranked first in September with 203 mentions, representing 36.6% of tracked-company mentions. Product, brand and beauty coverage was the largest subject area with 100 mentions, followed by marketing, partnerships and customer experience with 33, and pricing, value and promotions with 24. Boots launched its nationwide ‘Give it Some Boots’ brand platform, spanning pharmacy, healthcare, beauty and wellness across advertising, stores and online channels. Product stories included the exclusive launch of Bella Freud’s Glamorama collection, three Boots beauty advent calendars and a review of the No7 Ultimate Beauty Advent Calendar. Boots was due to launch a TikTok Shop storefront on 28 September with selected No7 products, while its University of Nottingham partnership focused on digital and integrated healthcare research. At the end of the month, Bloomberg, the Financial Times and Reuters reported that Sycamore Partners was nearing a sale of Boots to the Weston family for about $9 billion, with Bloomberg specifying that its figure included debt.

Key messages:

- Boots accounted for 36.6% of tracked-company mentions and ranked #1 among 9 in September 2026.
- Coverage concentrated on Product, Brands & Beauty Trends and Marketing, Partnerships & Customer Experience.
- 203 captured company mentions were recorded in September 2026.
- ‘Give it Some Boots’ nationwide brand-platform launch — Retail Gazette

Leading themes:

- Product, Brands & Beauty Trends: 49.3% of Boots's coverage (theme index 1.25, net tone +78)
- Marketing, Partnerships & Customer Experience: 16.3% of Boots's coverage (theme index 0.71, net tone +79)
- Pricing, Value & Promotions: 11.8% of Boots's coverage (theme index 5.93, net tone +92)

Notable positive coverage:

- 2 September 2026, womanandhome.com: [Our team gets a first look at the 3 Boots beauty advent calendars – this is the one worth snapping up](https://www.womanandhome.com/beauty/boots-beauty-advent-calendars-2026/). Boots has launched three 2026 beauty advent calendars spanning skincare, luxury beauty and fragrance. The article highlights the skincare calendar as a strong-value option and details its product range and purchasing options.
- 2 September 2026, theindustry.beauty: [Wrinkles Schminkles Launches with Boots UK](https://theindustry.beauty/wrinkles-schminkles-boots-uk-partnership/). Wrinkles Schminkles will launch 10 skincare products in more than 60 Boots stores and online from 9 September, marking its first UK physical retail partnership. The rollout uses Boots Ignite and includes an exclusive wrinkle-patch launch.
- 2 September 2026, retailgazette.co.uk: [Currys boss Alex Baldock confirmed as CEO of Boots](https://www.retailgazette.co.uk/blog/2026/09/currys-boss-alex-baldock-confirmed-as-ceo-of-boots/). Boots has appointed former Currys chief executive Alex Baldock as its new CEO. The retailer says he brings transformation experience as it grows its beauty, health and wellness operations.

Notable negative coverage:

- 26 September 2026, dorsetecho.co.uk: [Pharmacy worker 'heartbroken' after 'Chicken Banana' disciplinary action](https://www.dorsetecho.co.uk/news/26579546.weymouth-boots-worker-suspended-chicken-banana-song/). A long-serving Boots pharmacy assistant in Weymouth says she was suspended and given a final written warning after singing a viral meme song at work. Boots said alleged incidents are reviewed independently and appropriate fair-hearing processes are followed.
- 29 September 2026, independent.co.uk: [Pharmacist suspended after turning up to work drunk after boozy Bank Holiday weekend](https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/emma-juggins-boots-pharmacy-hartlebury-b3058073.html). A Boots locum responsible pharmacist was suspended for nine months after attending a Cheltenham branch while intoxicated and creating an actual or potential risk to patients. The case followed a General Pharmaceutical Council misconduct hearing.
- 23 September 2026, thesun.co.uk: [Boots worker suspended for racism after singing viral 'Chicken Banana' kids song](https://www.thesun.co.uk/news/40476055/boots-worker-suspended-chicken-banana-song/). A Boots pharmacy worker says she was suspended and issued a final written warning following a complaint about singing a viral children's song at work. Boots said it does not tolerate harassment, bullying or discriminatory language and treats allegations seriously.

- [Boots deep dive](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-beauty-2026-09?entity=boots&view=deep-dive)
- [Boots PDF report](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-beauty-2026-09/reports/boots.pdf)

### Sephora UK

**M&S partnership broadens Sephora UK’s beauty reach**

Sephora UK ranked 2nd of 9 by average monthly share of coverage (16.6%) in the UK Health & Beauty Retailers benchmark for September 2026, with 92 mentions and a net tone of +90.

Sephora UK’s agreement to operate staffed beauty departments in 100 M&S stores and sell through M&S.com from spring 2027 led September’s coverage, with independent reporting from Reuters, The Guardian and The Independent. The retailer recorded 92 mentions, representing 16.6% of tracked-company mentions and placing it second in the supplied competitive ranking. Marketing, partnerships and customer experience was the largest subject area, with 46 mentions, while product, brands and beauty trends accounted for 36. Stores and the high street contributed eight mentions, including WWD’s account of the M&S concessions alongside Sephora UK’s 18 standalone stores and further expansion plans. Other company developments broadened the agenda: Sephora launched Project Hearts Not Hate to address appearance-based discrimination, while Rhode extended its exclusive Sephora distribution into 19 continental European markets and Sephora prepared to offer Rhode products and selected exclusives in the UK. Product coverage also included The Independent’s review of Sephora’s 2026 beauty advent calendar, which highlighted its curation and pricing while noting fewer full-size products, a lower stated value and a £10 price increase.

Key messages:

- Sephora UK accounted for 16.6% of tracked-company mentions and ranked #2 among 9 in September 2026.
- Coverage concentrated on Marketing, Partnerships & Customer Experience and Product, Brands & Beauty Trends.
- 92 captured company mentions were recorded in September 2026.
- Sephora’s partnership with M&S to enter 100 stores and M&S.com — Reuters

Leading themes:

- Marketing, Partnerships & Customer Experience: 50.0% of Sephora UK's coverage (theme index 3.45, net tone +100)
- Product, Brands & Beauty Trends: 39.1% of Sephora UK's coverage (theme index 0.89, net tone +78)
- Stores & High Street: 8.7% of Sephora UK's coverage (theme index 0.65, net tone +88)

Notable positive coverage:

- 2 September 2026, cosmeticsbusiness.com: [Hailey Bieber’s Rhode confirms Sephora Europe launch date](https://cosmeticsbusiness.com/rhode-confirms-sephora-europe-launch-date). Rhode will expand through Sephora into 19 European countries from 30 September, with new and returning products also available in the UK. The article says Rhode became Sephora UK's number-one brand within a week of its UK debut.
- 11 September 2026, cosmeticsbusiness.com: [Sephora expands inclusive Quiet Hours across European stores](https://cosmeticsbusiness.com/sephora-expands-inclusive-quiet-hours-across-european-stores). Sephora is extending its Quiet Hours initiative across European stores, including its UK operation, following a pilot. The quieter, lower-light shopping periods are intended to improve accessibility for neurodivergent customers and others seeking a calmer environment.
- 13 September 2026, womanandhome.com: [I got my hands on the Sephora Beauty Advent Calendar ahead of its launch – and it's the best one I've seen this year](https://www.womanandhome.com/beauty/sephora-beauty-advent-calendar-2026/). Sephora UK has launched its 2026 Favourites Advent Calendar, containing 40 products, including 27 full-size items, for £235. The calendar is available for pre-order online and will also be sold in stores.

- [Sephora UK deep dive](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-beauty-2026-09?entity=sephorauk&view=deep-dive)
- [Sephora UK PDF report](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-beauty-2026-09/reports/sephorauk.pdf)

### Space NK

**New leadership and luxury launches define Space NK’s September coverage**

Space NK ranked 3rd of 9 by average monthly share of coverage (14.6%) in the UK Health & Beauty Retailers benchmark for September 2026, with 81 mentions and a net tone of +84.

Space NK appointed Emma Simpson-Scott as chief executive following Andy Lightfoot’s departure, alongside further senior appointments including Hannah Quy as chief financial officer and Tiff Ruis as senior vice-president of retail and ecommerce. The retailer ranked third with 81 mentions, representing 14.6% of tracked-company mentions. Product, brand and beauty-trend coverage dominated with 53 mentions, supported by the launches of Cécred across all 90 UK and Ireland stores and YSL Beauté in selected locations. Leadership and strategy accounted for 15 mentions, reflecting both the executive transition and Simpson-Scott’s plans for experiential stores, digital development and curated brands. Marketing, partnerships and customer experience contributed six mentions, including discussion of the award-winning, service-led Oxford Street flagship. Stores and the high street accounted for four mentions, with the opening of a new York location adding a further physical-retail development, while Space NK’s beauty calendars extended the product agenda at different luxury price points.

Key messages:

- Space NK accounted for 14.6% of tracked-company mentions and ranked #3 among 9 in September 2026.
- Coverage concentrated on Product, Brands & Beauty Trends and Leadership & Strategy.
- 81 captured company mentions were recorded in September 2026.
- Emma Simpson-Scott’s appointment as chief executive and Andy Lightfoot’s departure — Business of Fashion

Leading themes:

- Product, Brands & Beauty Trends: 65.4% of Space NK's coverage (theme index 1.67, net tone +85)
- Leadership & Strategy: 18.5% of Space NK's coverage (theme index 5.47, net tone +80)
- Marketing, Partnerships & Customer Experience: 7.4% of Space NK's coverage (theme index 0.33, net tone +100)

Notable positive coverage:

- 3 September 2026, theindustry.beauty: [Touchland Makes UK Debut Exclusively With Space NK](https://theindustry.beauty/cult-us-brand-touchland-to-launch-at-space-nk-in-exclusive-retail-partnership/). Touchland will make its UK retail debut exclusively at Space NK stores and online on 29 September 2026. The retailer will stock 18 SKUs nationwide and expects strong demand for the viral hand and bodycare brand.
- 4 September 2026, cosmeticsbusiness.com: [Sarah Creal Beauty launches in the UK and Ireland via Space NK to expand reach](https://cosmeticsbusiness.com/sarah-creal-beauty-launches-in-space-nk). Sarah Creal Beauty has launched exclusively with Space NK in the UK and Ireland. The luxury make-up and skincare range targets women aged over 40 and is priced from £28 to £75.
- 11 September 2026, wwd.com: [Emma Simpson-Scott Named CEO of Space NK After Andy Lightfoot Steps Down](https://wwd.com/beauty-industry-news/beauty-features/emma-simpson-scott-ceo-space-nk-andy-lightfoot-steps-down-1239221665/). Space NK CEO Andy Lightfoot is stepping down and will be succeeded by chief marketing officer Emma Simpson-Scott on 13 September. The retailer also appointed Hannah Quy as CFO and Tiff Ruis as senior vice president of retail and ecommerce.

- [Space NK deep dive](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-beauty-2026-09?entity=spacenk&view=deep-dive)
- [Space NK PDF report](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-beauty-2026-09/reports/spacenk.pdf)

### Superdrug

**Merry Hill relaunch anchors Superdrug’s September profile**

Superdrug ranked 4th of 9 by average monthly share of coverage (11.2%) in the UK Health & Beauty Retailers benchmark for September 2026, with 62 mentions and a net tone of +65.

Superdrug reopened and expanded its Merry Hill branch as its largest UK store, with TheIndustry.beauty reporting new pharmacy, aesthetics, piercing and premium beauty facilities. The retailer also opened a 6,798 sq ft Strathkelvin Retail Park store near Glasgow, creating 30 jobs. The Grocer reported a 24-hour rapid-delivery service with Just Eat in parts of London, following a wider rollout to 329 stores. Other developments included listing ESN and More Nutrition products in more than 350 stores and online, while a Superdrug Online Doctor GP provided health guidance through the Bristol Post. Superdrug recorded 62 mentions and an 11.2% share of tracked-company mentions, placing it fourth in September. Stores and the high street was the largest subject area with 32 mentions, ahead of products, brands and beauty trends with 12, while health, pharmacy and services and marketing, partnerships and customer experience each recorded five.

Key messages:

- Superdrug accounted for 11.2% of tracked-company mentions and ranked #4 among 9 in September 2026.
- Coverage concentrated on Stores & High Street and Product, Brands & Beauty Trends.
- 62 captured company mentions were recorded in September 2026.
- Superdrug’s largest UK store reopened at Merry Hill — TheIndustry.beauty.

Leading themes:

- Stores & High Street: 51.6% of Superdrug's coverage (theme index 6.68, net tone +94)
- Product, Brands & Beauty Trends: 19.4% of Superdrug's coverage (theme index 0.42, net tone +58)
- Health, Pharmacy & Services: 8.1% of Superdrug's coverage (theme index 4.41, net tone +40)

Notable positive coverage:

- 22 September 2026, retailtimes.co.uk: [Superdrug officially relaunches refurbished store at Merry Hill](https://retailtimes.co.uk/superdrug-officially-relaunches-refurbished-store-at-merry-hill/). Superdrug has relaunched its refurbished Merry Hill store, now its largest UK location at 12,831 sq ft. The site adds beauty, fragrance, pharmacy, aesthetics and piercing services as part of wider plans to open 30 UK stores this year.
- 23 September 2026, retailgazette.co.uk: [Superdrug opens largest ever store](https://www.retailgazette.co.uk/blog/2026/09/superdrug-store-merry-hill/). Superdrug has reopened its refurbished Merry Hill store, now its largest UK site at 12,831 sq ft. The store adds jobs and a broader health, beauty and wellness assortment.
- 23 September 2026, 365retail.co.uk: [Superdrug Opens Largest UK Store At Merry Hill](https://365retail.co.uk/superdrug-opens-largest-uk-store-at-merry-hill/). Superdrug has reopened its refurbished 12,831 sq ft Merry Hill branch as its largest UK store, with expanded beauty, fragrance, pharmacy and clinic services. The opening supports its programme to open 30 UK stores in 2026.

Notable negative coverage:

- 22 September 2026, cornish-times.co.uk: [Police make appeal after Saltash Superdrug store burgled again in early-hours raid](https://www.cornish-times.co.uk/news/999/saltash-superdrug-burgled-again-in-early-hours-raid-957346). Police are investigating a forced-entry burglary at Superdrug's Saltash store, where items were stolen. The store had also been targeted in a similar break-in six weeks earlier.
- 14 September 2026, thisisoxfordshire.co.uk: [CCTV images of man wanted in connection with 'snaps of girl in Superdrug'](https://www.thisisoxfordshire.co.uk/news/26548301.cctv-images-man-photographing-teenage-girl-superdrug/). Police released CCTV images in connection with an alleged voyeurism incident at a Superdrug store in Didcot, where a man reportedly photographed a teenage girl. The suspect was escorted from the shopping centre and police are seeking information.

- [Superdrug deep dive](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-beauty-2026-09?entity=superdrug&view=deep-dive)
- [Superdrug PDF report](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-beauty-2026-09/reports/superdrug.pdf)

### Holland & Barrett

**Leadership appointment and wellness partnerships shape Holland & Barrett’s September profile**

Holland & Barrett ranked 5th of 9 by average monthly share of coverage (9.2%) in the UK Health & Beauty Retailers benchmark for September 2026, with 51 mentions and a net tone of +39.

Retail Gazette reported Holland & Barrett’s appointment of Michelle Boothroyd as chief people officer amid a wider leadership overhaul and investment programme, alongside 11% annual sales growth to £981 million and wider pre-tax losses. The retailer ranked fifth with 51 measured mentions, representing 9.2% of tracked-company mentions. Product, brands and beauty was the largest subject area with 12 mentions, followed by stores and the high street and wellness and supplements with nine each, while leadership and strategy accounted for eight. Store coverage included closures in Bournemouth, Thornbury and Accrington, presented as part of a £70 million programme spanning openings, refits and relocations. The Grocer and Retail Sector reported Holland & Barrett’s role as retail partner of Breakout Wellness UK, supporting emerging brands across gut health, functional nutrition, sleep, stress and women’s health. Further developments included The Matcha Yaad securing a product listing and coverage of its inside-out beauty strategy.

Key messages:

- Holland & Barrett accounted for 9.2% of tracked-company mentions and ranked #5 among 9 in September 2026.
- Coverage concentrated on Product, Brands & Beauty Trends and Stores & High Street.
- 51 captured company mentions were recorded in September 2026.
- Michelle Boothroyd appointed chief people officer — Retail Gazette

Leading themes:

- Product, Brands & Beauty Trends: 23.5% of Holland & Barrett's coverage (theme index 0.52, net tone +75)
- Wellness & Supplements: 17.6% of Holland & Barrett's coverage (theme index 29.59, net tone +67)
- Stores & High Street: 17.6% of Holland & Barrett's coverage (theme index 1.46, net tone −78)

Notable positive coverage:

- 8 September 2026, thegrocer.co.uk: [Holland & Barrett joins Breakout Wellness UK to back challenger brands](https://www.thegrocer.co.uk/news/holland-and-barrett-joins-breakout-wellness-uk-to-back-challenger-brands/723355.article). Holland & Barrett has become the official retail partner of Breakout Wellness UK, supporting 10 emerging health and wellness brands with advice and product-development expertise. The accelerator focuses on areas including gut health, functional nutrition, sleep, stress and women's health.
- 9 September 2026, retailsector.co.uk: [Holland & Barrett joins wellness accelerator as founding partner](https://www.retailsector.co.uk/744377-holland-barrett-joins-wellness-accelerator-as-founding-partner/). Holland & Barrett has become the founding retail partner of Breakout Wellness UK, an eight-week accelerator for early-stage wellness businesses. The retailer will help select and coach founders preparing for retail distribution.
- 10 September 2026, theindustry.beauty: [How I started in beauty: Vicky Kelly, Beauty Category Director at Holland & Barrett](https://theindustry.beauty/how-i-started-in-beauty-vicky-kelly-beauty-category-director-at-holland-barrett/). Holland & Barrett Beauty Category Director Vicky Kelly outlines the retailer's inside-out beauty strategy, combining topical beauty with health and wellness products. She says the revamped category returned to double-digit growth within its first year.

Notable negative coverage:

- 25 September 2026, mirror.co.uk: [Holland & Barrett, B&M, Co-Op and more announce closures](https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/holland--barrett-bm-co-37702216). Holland & Barrett has permanently closed its Thornbury, South Gloucestershire store as part of an ongoing restructuring programme. The retailer said the move forms part of a £70 million investment plan to transform its UK store network.
- 14 September 2026, express.co.uk: [Major high street chain with 727 UK stores closes another branch for good](https://www.express.co.uk/news/uk/2248554/major-high-street-chain-closure). Holland & Barrett has closed its Thornbury branch, leaving the nearest store for local residents around six miles away in Bradley Stoke. The chain says its estate programme includes openings, refurbishments, relocations, lease expiries and closures.
- 14 September 2026, thesun.co.uk: ['Another empty shop' as British health chain with over 700 stores shuts branch](https://www.thesun.co.uk/money/40376320/health-chain-shuts-store-down-for-good/). Holland & Barrett is closing its Thornbury branch under its nationwide transformation programme. The retailer said its £70 million plan includes more than 200 openings and refurbishments alongside relocations, lease expiries and closures.

- [Holland & Barrett deep dive](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-beauty-2026-09?entity=hollandbarrett&view=deep-dive)
- [Holland & Barrett PDF report](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-beauty-2026-09/reports/hollandbarrett.pdf)

### Lush

**Charity Pot and Safer Socials shape Lush’s September profile**

Lush ranked 6th of 9 by average monthly share of coverage (4.7%) in the UK Health & Beauty Retailers benchmark for September 2026, with 26 mentions and a net tone of +88.

Lush placed sixth in September with 26 mentions, representing 4.7% of tracked-company mentions. Independent coverage led with the return of Charity Pot after customer and staff demand, with 75% of the sales price excluding tax allocated to activist groups. The Safer Socials campaign was another prominent development, combining in-store advocacy on digital-platform harms with a fundraising Ctrl shower gummy. Product, brand and beauty coverage formed the largest subject area with 11 mentions, spanning the autumn, Halloween, Christmas and Día de Muertos ranges. Six marketing, partnership and customer-experience mentions included the Super Mario collaboration, Amity Murray’s appointment as Lush’s first Skincare Ambassador and a Great Scottish Run promotion. The month’s profile combined product-led visibility with cause-based campaigns, cultural collaboration and experiential customer engagement, while leadership coverage included recognition for co-founder Mo Constantine.

Key messages:

- Lush accounted for 4.7% of tracked-company mentions and ranked #6 among 9 in September 2026.
- Coverage concentrated on Product, Brands & Beauty Trends and Marketing, Partnerships & Customer Experience.
- 26 captured company mentions were recorded in September 2026.
- Charity Pot relaunch following community demand — Cosmetics Business

Leading themes:

- Product, Brands & Beauty Trends: 42.3% of Lush's coverage (theme index 0.98, net tone +82)
- Marketing, Partnerships & Customer Experience: 23.1% of Lush's coverage (theme index 1.14, net tone +100)
- ESG, Ethics & Sourcing: 19.2% of Lush's coverage (theme index 33.85, net tone +100)

Notable positive coverage:

- 2 September 2026, retailgazette.co.uk: [Lush's Hannah Johnston-Cree goes behind the scenes of Super Mario collab](https://www.retailgazette.co.uk/blog/2026/09/lushs-hannah-johnston-cree-goes-behind-the-scenes-of-super-mario-collab/). Lush marketing lead Hannah Johnston-Cree discusses the retailer's Super Mario Bros collaboration, including themed products, experiential pop-ups and efforts to reach new customers. The campaign has been nominated for Brand Partnership of the Year at the RG Excellence Awards.
- 3 September 2026, retailgazette.co.uk: [Lush launches campaign highlighting harm caused by social media](https://www.retailgazette.co.uk/blog/2026/09/lush-social-media/). Lush has launched its Safer Socials campaign across its UK and international stores, highlighting harms associated with major social-media platforms. The retailer is also selling a Ctrl shower gummy, with 75% of its sale price donated to organisations advocating safer online spaces.
- 4 September 2026, cosmeticsbusiness.com: [Lush launches Safer Socials campaign to ‘take back power’ from social media giants](https://cosmeticsbusiness.com/lush-launches-safer-socials-campaign). Lush has launched its Safer Socials campaign across its UK, EU, US and Canadian stores to highlight harms associated with major social-media platforms. The retailer is also selling a Ctrl shower gummy, with 75% of its sale price minus tax donated to groups challenging big-tech power.

- [Lush deep dive](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-beauty-2026-09?entity=lush&view=deep-dive)
- [Lush PDF report](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-beauty-2026-09/reports/lush.pdf)

### The Perfume Shop

**Scent service and Christmas preparations shape September coverage**

The Perfume Shop ranked 7th of 9 by average monthly share of coverage (3.4%) in the UK Health & Beauty Retailers benchmark for September 2026, with 19 mentions and a net tone of +100.

Independent editorial coverage centred on The Perfume Shop’s Scent Rediscovery Service, a 14-store pilot offering personalised consultations and fragrance recommendations. The retailer recorded 19 mentions, representing 3.4% of tracked-company mentions and placing it seventh in the supplied competitive ranking. Marketing, partnerships and customer experience dominated the subject mix with 10 mentions, ahead of stores and the high street with three, while product, brand and beauty coverage accounted for two. Christmas preparations provided another substantial strand, including recruitment for around 800 temporary sales assistants across the UK and Ireland and the publication of its predicted top 10 festive fragrances. The refurbishment of its Dublin Blanchardstown flagship added a store-investment story, combining a new layout, digital screens, personalised services and LED lighting. Its profile was broadened further by two People in Retail Awards wins and a runner-up placing for Retail Employer of the Year.

Key messages:

- The Perfume Shop accounted for 3.4% of tracked-company mentions and ranked #7 among 9 in September 2026.
- Coverage concentrated on Marketing, Partnerships & Customer Experience and Stores & High Street.
- 19 captured company mentions were recorded in September 2026.
- Scent Rediscovery Service launch — Retail Gazette

Leading themes:

- Marketing, Partnerships & Customer Experience: 52.6% of The Perfume Shop's coverage (theme index 2.73, net tone +100)
- Other: 15.8% of The Perfume Shop's coverage (theme index 7.68, net tone +100)
- Stores & High Street: 15.8% of The Perfume Shop's coverage (theme index 1.26, net tone +100)

Notable positive coverage:

- 1 September 2026, retailgazette.co.uk: [The Perfume Shop introduces UK's first high street "scent rediscovery" service](https://www.retailgazette.co.uk/blog/2026/09/the-perfume-shop-service/). The Perfume Shop has launched an in-store scent rediscovery consultation service, offering personalised fragrance recommendations from trained experts. The service is initially available in selected UK stores and supports the retailer's customer-experience strategy.
- 1 September 2026, uk.fashionnetwork.com: [Perfume Shop launches in-store 'Rediscovery Service' for shoppers](https://uk.fashionnetwork.com/news/Perfume-shop-launches-in-store-rediscovery-service-for-shoppers,1862531.html). The Perfume Shop is launching a Scent Rediscovery Service in 14 UK stores, offering personalised fragrance consultations with trained experts. The service responds to changes in consumers' smell, preferences and wellbeing needs.
- 2 September 2026, theretailbulletin.com: [The Perfume Shop launches personalised 'Scent Rediscovery Service'](https://www.theretailbulletin.com/health-and-beauty/the-perfume-shop-launches-personalised-scent-rediscovery-service-02-09-2026/). The Perfume Shop has launched its personalised in-store Scent Rediscovery Service, offering one-to-one fragrance consultations and customer perfume profiles. The service has initially been introduced in 14 UK stores.

- [The Perfume Shop deep dive](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-beauty-2026-09?entity=theperfumeshop&view=deep-dive)
- [The Perfume Shop PDF report](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-beauty-2026-09/reports/theperfumeshop.pdf)

### The Body Shop

**Body Butter relaunch defines The Body Shop’s September coverage**

The Body Shop ranked 8th of 9 by average monthly share of coverage (3.1%) in the UK Health & Beauty Retailers benchmark for September 2026, with 17 mentions and a net tone of +47.

Independent reporting led with The Body Shop’s relaunch of 11 Shea Body Butter variants, featuring new textures, skin-need-led positioning and prices from £7 to £38. The retailer supported the reformulated range with a deli-themed sampling pop-up at Westfield Stratford, linked to its 50th-anniversary programme. The Body Shop recorded 17 mentions, representing 3.1% of tracked-company mentions and placing it eighth among the retailer cohort. Product, Brands & Beauty Trends dominated the subject mix with 12 mentions, while stores and high streets and marketing, partnerships and customer experience each accounted for two. Commercial and affiliate coverage also featured the launch of Classic and Ultimate Beauty Advent Calendars from £65, while affiliate shopping coverage recommended Coconut Body Butter. Separately, reporting from Gloucestershire Live identified an empty former Body Shop unit in Cheltenham’s Regent Arcade within a wider account of high-street vacancies and weak footfall.

Key messages:

- The Body Shop accounted for 3.1% of tracked-company mentions and ranked #8 among 9 in September 2026.
- Coverage concentrated on Product, Brands & Beauty Trends and Stores & High Street.
- 17 captured company mentions were recorded in September 2026.
- Shea Body Butter range relaunch — FashionNetwork.com

Leading themes:

- Product, Brands & Beauty Trends: 70.6% of The Body Shop's coverage (theme index 1.68, net tone +58)
- Stores & High Street: 11.8% of The Body Shop's coverage (theme index 0.93, net tone −100)
- Marketing, Partnerships & Customer Experience: 11.8% of The Body Shop's coverage (theme index 0.57, net tone +100)

Notable positive coverage:

- 1 September 2026, express.co.uk: [The Body Shop beauty advent calendars are officially here from £65](https://www.express.co.uk/life-style/style/2244359/the-body-shop-advent-calendar). The Body Shop has launched Classic and Ultimate Beauty Advent Calendars priced from £65 for the festive season. The calendars contain products from ranges including Dewberry, Strawberry and Shea, with early customer reviews described positively.
- 7 September 2026, uk.fashionnetwork.com: [Reborn Body Shop relaunches key products this week](https://uk.fashionnetwork.com/news/Reborn-body-shop-relaunches-key-products-this-week,1864116.html). The Body Shop is relaunching its Shea Body Butter range with 11 skin-need-led variants, new textures and prices from £7 to £38. The retailer is positioning the launch around body care and plans to publish a sustainability roadmap later in the year.
- 16 September 2026, theindustry.beauty: [The Body Shop Opens Body Butter Deli Pop-Up](https://theindustry.beauty/the-body-shop-marks-body-butter-relaunch-with-westfield-stratford-pop-up/). The Body Shop is opening a deli-themed Body Butter pop-up at Westfield Stratford from 17 September to 13 October, featuring interactive sampling and product offers. The activation supports its reformulated Body Butter range and wider 50th-anniversary programme.

Notable negative coverage:

- 28 September 2026, gloucestershirelive.co.uk: [High street branded a 'shaby shambles' full of shut-up shops](https://www.gloucestershirelive.co.uk/news/cheltenham-news/cheltenham-high-street-shabby-shambles-11171428). Cheltenham residents describe a deteriorating high street marked by vacancies and shop closures. The Body Shop is reported as empty in Regent Arcade amid weak footfall and concerns about the town's retail offer.

- [The Body Shop deep dive](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-beauty-2026-09?entity=thebodyshop&view=deep-dive)
- [The Body Shop PDF report](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-beauty-2026-09/reports/thebodyshop.pdf)

### Savers

**Dockside lease defines Savers’ September retail coverage**

Savers ranked 9th of 9 by average monthly share of coverage (0.5%) in the UK Health & Beauty Retailers benchmark for September 2026, with 3 mentions and a net tone of +33.

Savers signed a 10-year lease for a 4,500 sq ft store at Dockside Chatham Maritime, as reported by FashionNetwork and Property Week. The Kent opening will add to its UK estate of more than 500 stores, with the premises formed by combining two units. Savers recorded three mentions, representing 0.5% of tracked-company mentions and placing it ninth among the supplied cohort. Stores and the high street accounted for three mentions, making the Dockside agreement the principal subject in its coverage.

Key messages:

- Savers accounted for 0.5% of tracked-company mentions and ranked #9 among 9 in September 2026.
- Coverage concentrated on Stores & High Street.
- 3 captured company mentions were recorded in September 2026.
- Savers’ 10-year lease for a Dockside Chatham Maritime store — FashionNetwork

Leading themes:

- Stores & High Street: 100.0% of Savers's coverage (theme index 8.22, net tone +33)

Notable positive coverage:

- 21 September 2026, ww.fashionnetwork.com: [Health and beauty specialist Savers takes Dockside space](https://ww.fashionnetwork.com/news/Health-and-beauty-specialist-savers-takes-dockside-space,1868598.html). Savers has agreed a 10-year lease for a 4,500 sq ft store at Dockside Chatham Maritime in Kent. The discount health and beauty chain will add the location to its estate of more than 500 UK stores.

- [Savers deep dive](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-beauty-2026-09?entity=savers&view=deep-dive)
- [Savers PDF report](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-beauty-2026-09/reports/savers.pdf)

## Methodology

- **Share of coverage**: an organisation's mentions divided by all mentions of the organisations tracked in the same sector that month, in UK earned media. It is the central measure of media visibility in Omniscan benchmarks. "Average monthly share" is the mean of the monthly shares across the reporting period.
- **Mention**: one article that covers an organisation, classified as positive, neutral or negative in tone. Articles are deduplicated, and an organisation's own websites and passing sponsorship name-checks are excluded, so only earned media counts.
- **Net tone**: positive mentions minus negative mentions, as a percentage of all mentions (range −100 to +100).
- **Themes**: every article is assigned to one of the sector's editorial themes. A theme index above 1 means the organisation is covered on that theme more than its peers are; below 1 means less.
- **Calculation**: every figure is computed directly from the classified articles; narrative summaries are checked against those figures.
- **Sources**: UK national and international, trade and specialist, regional and local, and aggregator and syndication earned media.

## Other UK Health & Beauty Retailers editions

- [UK beauty & personal care media reputation tracker – 2026 year to date](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-beauty-2026-ytd.md)
- [UK beauty & personal care media reputation tracker – H1 2026](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-beauty-2026-h1.md)
- [UK beauty & personal care media reputation tracker – July 2026](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-beauty-2026-07.md)
- [UK beauty & personal care media reputation tracker – August 2026](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-beauty-2026-08.md)
- [All Omniscan media benchmarks](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks.md)

## How to cite

Omniscan, "UK beauty & personal care media reputation tracker", September 2026 (1 September 2026–30 September 2026), published 4 October 2026. https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-beauty-2026-09