JD Sports snaps up stake in Hairburst as it takes aim at beauty market

The size of the stake or the investment has not been disclosed by JD Sports, although The Times reported that the retail giant is likely to help Hairburst to acquire a number of other players in the category to strengthen its proposition.

The move comes following JD’s increased interest in acquisitions in growing categories outside sportswear. The company took a majority stake in online fashion retailer Missy Empire in June, while it is also reportedly in talks to acquire a controlling interest in fast fashion brand Missguided.

JD’s purchase of a stake in Hairburst comes at a time when a number of other retailers are seizing opportunities in the beauty space, with the likes of Next, Primark and Frasers all beefing up their beauty offers.

Hairburst sells shampoos, styling products and hair growth vitamins. The business was founded in 2014 but has grown to employ around 50 members of staff. It has 1.5 million social media followers and is stocked in major retailers including Boots, Sephora and Superdrug.

JD executive chair Peter Cowgill said: “We are pleased to have made this initial acquisition in the beauty sector and have been impressed by the capabilities of the management team, who have a strong identity and connection with millennials and Gen Z consumers.”

Hairburst co-founder James Hill added: “With our ability to create amazing products and market through social media, supplemented by JD’s consumer connection, financial power and global scale, we see great potential to build the Hairburst brand and acquire other brands within the sector.”