As Sephora gears up for its entry into the Australian market, the country’s largest independent beauty retailer isn’t taking the incursion lying down. In November, Melbourne-based Mecca Cosmetica opened a new 2,500-square-foot flagship in its hometown, complete with new areas, such as Mecca Trove featuring emerging brands, and Australia’s first Nars boutique. First-year sales are expected to reach $4 million. “This store is a strong statement to our customers about how much we have evolved,” says founder Jo Horgan, noting Mecca will have 50 stores by yearend 2015. “It shows how significant the potential for a stand-alone boutique in a High Street environment is.”
