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64 December 2015 | beautystorebusiness.com News HIGH RIDGE BRANDS CO. ACQUIRES CONTINENTAL FRAGRANCES High Ridge Brands Co. announced in October that it has acquired Continental Fragrances, owner of the Salon Grafix hairstyling brand, from SG Holdings Acquisition. Terms and conditions of the transaction weren't disclosed. Since 1998, Continental Fragrances has been marketing the Salon Grafix "white can" brand of premium, salon-quality hairstyling products to consumers throughout North America. Today, Continental Fragrances offers a diverse hairstyling portfolio of brands that also includes High Beams temporary spray-on hair colors and Healthy Hair Nutrition natural haircare and styling solutions, among others. The company's products are widely distributed through leading retailers in the food, drug, mass and beauty channels. "We are excited to own Salon Grafix and the other Continental Fragrances brands," says James Daniels, president and CEO of High Ridge Brands Co. "We look forward to integrating these brands into our organization and are excited about the potential that this acquisition brings to our company. Salon Grafix's premium positioning, loyal consumer base and strong distribution makes it very complementary to High Ridge Brands' current hairstyling portfolio, which includes the iconic Alberto VO5, White Rain, Rave and L.A. Looks brands." High Ridge Brands Co. is a portfolio company of Brynwood Partners VI. "We are thrilled to announce the acquisition of Continental Fragrances into our very successful High Ridge Brands business," states Dario Margve, chairman of High Ridge Brands Co. and a managing director of Brynwood Partners VI. "The addition of the Continental Fragrances' brands will enable High Ridge Brands to participate in all segments of the hairstyling category, strengthening our position with our retail partners. While management continues to focus on growing the company organically, we are fortunate to be adding another very attractive strategic acquisition." DERMSTORE DEBUTS A BRAND REFRESH DermStore, a subsidiary of Target Corp. and an online retailer of professional-strength skin care, unveiled a new brand identity and simplified shopping experience in late September. The brand refresh includes a revamped website, a new logo and a "Facing Forward" tagline, and a refined visual identity. DermStore's access to robust consumer insights and advanced technology have shaped the company's new direc- tion. The website offers expertly curated product selections, and advice and content from top industry professionals, as well as streamlined product categories and an easier cart checkout, all within a clean, easy-to-navigate interface. "At DermStore we believe skin health is a worthy investment, and that helping our customers make proac- tive choices today ensures lifelong benefits," says Cathy Beaupain, DermStore chief marketing officer. "Coupling that perspective with our commitment to giving women what they want and deserve, we've created a destination for discovering stand-out products and the latest develop- ments in professional skin care." DermStore offers an impressive range of physician- strength formulas, otherwise only available through a doc- tor or a surgeon, as well as exclusive spa lines, salon-grade brands, and niche products from around the world. Since joining the Target Beauty family in 2014, DermStore has refined its model to include an exclusive brand-licensing strategy and a deep investment in a network of experts. DermStore's current house brand portfolio includes Harry Josh Pro Tools and SmartFX, with new launches planned for the fourth quarter of 2015. FIRST-EVER INDIE BEAUTY EXPO IS A BIG SUCCESS Indie Beauty Expo, which debuted Aug. 27 in New York City, is being called a rousing success, as it surpassed even the most optimistic expectations. iBE officials have begun planning for iBE 2016. "Finally, the category has a venue that is custom-tailored to meet its needs and to shine a spotlight on this innovative and unique collection of entrepreneurs," says Jillian Wright, iBE co-founder. Nader Naeymi-Rad, iBE co-founder, adds, "With a packed house, the expo delivered on attendance with more than 1,000 participants, including consumers, reporters, buyers and other trade professionals enthusiastically passing through the doors." iBE's mission is to provide a platform to recognize, showcase and promote independent beauty brands to retailers, consumers and the media. iBE's numbers: 80 exhibitors; 200-plus retail buyers, including Barneys, C.O. Bigelow, Credo Beauty, Target and Whole Foods; 100-plus members of the media, including Beauty Store Business; 300-plus beauty industry professionals; and 300-plus consumers. THE NPD GROUP: SKINCARE DEVICES RECEIVE HIGH PRAISE FROM THEIR USERS The vast majority of women who own a skincare device are using it frequently and are highly satisfied with the product, reports The NPD Group in an online survey used for its 2015 Skincare Devices Consumer Report. Cleansing and facial massager/toner devices are used at least once a week by more than 70% of consumers who own them, and the frequency use is even higher when it comes to laser/light-therapy devices. About 80% of users report that they're extremely or very satisfied, and are equally likely to continue using their devices. The market, which grew 8% in dollars and 20% in unit sales in the 12 months ending August 2015, has a dedicated and optimistic fan base despite still being relatively small in terms of ownership size. "There's a lot of positive buzz around skincare devices, and a loyalty that exists among consumers who use them, which makes it an opportune time for brands and manufacturers to focus on growing the market among non-users," says Karen Grant, global beauty industry analyst at The NPD Group. "As technology continues seeping into all aspects of daily life, women are becoming increasingly more comfortable using devices on their skin, and recommending such products to their peers." There are important differences when it comes to how skincare device users and non-users view these products. While most users cite "ease of use" as the most important characteristic, it is the price for the device that ranks first among non-users. Tying in with the cost, including a skincare product with the purchase of the device as well as the eventual need for replacement parts are more important concerns in the eyes of non-users when it comes to contemplating a future purchase.