Sephora cancels make-up services due to coronavirus fears
Beauty and cosmetics giant Sephora has suspended and in cases, cancelled some of its make-up appointments across its stores as a precaution against the deadly coronavirus.
Some services will still proceed as long as customers buy in-store make-up brushes which can retail for about $120.
"In view of the ongoing 2019 novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) situation, Sephora would like to reiterate that the health and wellbeing of our customers and our cast members (beauty advisors) is of paramount importance," Sephora said in a statement.
Sephora has suspended and in cases, cancelled some of its make-up appointments across its stores as a precaution against the deadly coronavirus.Credit:Dallas Kilponen
"As a precautionary measure, all custom makeover services have been suspended until further notice."
Sephora is one of the largest cosmetics businesses in the world and is owned by the giant LVMH group. The stores are always full with young and older women and Chinese tourists who like to get their make-up done for a special event or on the way out after work.
Other outlets and the major department stores are said to be reviewing their make up application services.
The coronavirus has hit the retail sector hard with many shop assistants seen wearing masks. The virus has killed about 570 people so far and is taking a toll across all industries including the fragile retail sector.
Credit ratings agency, Fitch Ratings has warned that the impact of the coronavirus on Australian businesses will largely stem from the expected reduction in Chinese tourist arrivals.
"If the impact from the virus is short-lived, we do not expect credit profiles to be materially affected," it said. However, if the outbreak is not sufficiently contained by the first quarter of 2020, "more corporate issuers can face rating pressures".