Beauty distributor and agent Essence Corp is to draw on its extensive DF&TR experience and know-how after being appointed Bath & Body Works Global Travel Retail Distributor.

Essence Corp has been a distribution partner of L Brands for Victoria’s Secret and Bath & Body Works in the Americas since 2014 and has vowed to ‘maintain the same qualitative standards of distribution’ outside the Americas.

Antoine Bona, Vice President, Sales, Essence Corp, who revealed that the agreement commenced on 3 May 2021 told TRBusiness: “The appointment solidifies our partnership with Bath & Body Works. It also allows Essence Corp to branch out of the Americas for the first time.

‘UNIQUE IN ITS CATEGORY’

“Bath & Body Works is unique in its category (home, soaps, Sanitisers and fragrances) which should allow to easily carve out space in travel retail.”

Bona, believes the company’s experience in North and South America has allowed it to obtain valuable insights on travellers from Asia, the Middle East and Europe.

“We also already have current partnerships with Dufry, Gebr. Heinemann, Aer Rianta International, Harding and Starboard who manage operations outside the Americas. Finally, we have experience with exchange rate fluctuations which often occur in Latin America.”

She concluded: “Our immediate strategy is to digest the current business and provide exceptional customer service to all existing accounts.

“We plan to develop business with the existing accounts first.  Once we fully understand the markets, our strategy will be to look at new international markets.  Finally, we plan on bringing in new brands in the long-term to complement our portfolio.”