Total retail sales of beauty products in Canada are estimated to reach $5 billion in 2015 and are slated to grow to $5.5 billion by 2020. Consumers’ routine purchase of many items in the beauty category as well as the increased number of immigrants will help support the growth. Various demographic groups will require specific types of beauty products, and age and gender play a vital role in shaping these consumer demands. Technology also plays an increasing role, as people are shopping differently today – more so online and via mobile devices while value continues to be a key driver. Furthermore, online shopping has made access to beauty products easier than before and has allowed for greater convenience and variety when shopping for beauty items. This report focuses on the shopping experience for beauty products and offers sales trends and major retail players in the Canadian market, as well as a detailed exploration of usage of beauty products and location of purchase, reasons for purchasing beauty products from a particular retailer, beauty product purchase reasoning, attitudes towards digital technology and social media in regards to beauty products and innovations/improvements when shopping for beauty products.

The focus of this report is on the retail experience where shopping for items in the beauty category is concerned, based largely on the results of Mintel’s exclusive consumer research.

For the purpose of this report, Mintel defines the beauty category to include the following: haircare, bath & body, skincare, face make-up, eye make-up, nail care, beauty appliances/tools, depilatory products, men’s fragrances and women’s fragrances.