Sarah Boyd, Managing Director of cult beauty retailer, Sephora UK, is confirmed to speak at the Retail Technology Show (RTS), the leading event that connects forward-thinking retailers and leading tech innovators, which takes place at London’s ExCeL on 22 & 23 April 2026.

On track to expand its footprint to 20 UK stores this year, Sephora’s well-documented momentum has been underpinned by strong omnichannel performance, high-profile regional rollouts and a community-first approach, cementing it as a cultural force in retail.

A cultural force in retail

Speaking on the Spark Stage on Day 1 at 11:40am, Boyd will join Consumer Champion, Martin Newman, for a fireside chat on how Sephora’s community-first approach is shaping the beauty zeitgeist while driving hype and growth. 

From ambitious store expansion to viral social campaigns, Boyd will share how Sephora intends to build on its high-octane momentum, strategies for managing virality with customer trust, and how retailers can adapt to meet the needs of next-gen shoppers.

“I am looking forward to being part of the Retail Technology Show at a time when British beauty retail is so dynamic and culturally influential. The UK customer is highly engaged, curious and trend-aware, and we’re seeing a real shift towards experiences that go beyond transaction.  

Sarah Boyd, MD, Sephora UK

“Technology is a critical enabler of personalisation and community building, sharper curation and deeper product discovery. It will be great to share how we are bringing that to life here at Sephora UK as we continue on our exciting journey,” Boyd added.

The ‘it’ brand of beauty retailing

“Already the ‘It’ brand of beauty retailing, the rise and rise of Sephora has been nothing short of meteoric, and it has quickly become the poster child for how community-led commerce can supercharge growth, viral engagement and steadfast loyalty,” Matt Bradley, Founder & Event Director at RTS, commented.  

“With its wide-reaching appeal – and its ability to tap into Gen Alpha – Sarah’s session will be another unmissable addition to the RTS conference programme.”

Boyd joins fellow headliners, including M&S Chairman Archie Norman, TALA-founder and digital broadcaster Grace Beverley, and Dragon’s Den star Touker Suleyman, who take to the stage at RTS to discuss retail’s hottest topics. 

During the two-day event, 125+ of retail’s brightest minds, including leaders from Currys, Aroma Zone, the BRC and Frasers Group, will join six dedicated RTS conference tracks offering sector-shaping insight.

To register to attend RTS 2026: https://www.retailtechnologyshow.com.