Things turn ugly… after beauty firm shuts down: Subscription service Birchbox closes British operation, leaving staff and customers in lurch
Beauty subscription service Birchbox has closed its British operation, leaving staff and customers in the lurch.
The firm was bought last summer by US-based FemTec Health, run by American entrepreneur Kimon Angelides.
It had £20million of sales in the UK and about 122,000 subscribers for its personalised packages of make-up and skincare products.
Left in the lurch: Birchbox had £20million of sales in the UK and about 122,000 subscribers for its personalised packages of make-up and skincare products
Bosses last year promised to ‘focus on rejuvenating the brand’ after making a £1.7million loss in 2019.
But now the firm has stopped taking orders after blaming ‘unprecedented setbacks’. Angelides, 71, has ceased to be a director, according to Companies House. Employees said they are no longer working for the business.
Customers – including about 1,500 who bought £70 advent calendars – have been left without their products or refunds, sources said.
One named Jodie Bryant said on social media: ‘My poor mum has paid a lot of money for 3 beauty advent calendars that haven’t arrived and no explanations.
‘We have been subscription holders for years. No products, no refunds, ghosting customers. How awful.’
Angelides is said to be ‘working diligently’ to keep the firm going. Birchbox was the brainchild of Katia Beauchamp, who sold the business for £37million. She has gone on to take over as chief executive of Victoria Beckham Beauty.