L’Occitane en Provence, French-based beauty product and fragrance retailer, has launched an accelerator programme for tech start-ups, with three able to secure $50,000 in funding.
Running under The Greenhouse scheme of its franchise operator in the region, the Chalhoub Group, the programme marks L’Occitane en Provence’s efforts to keep pace with evolving consumer habits through improving the retail-tech element of its consumers’ shopping experiences.
Tech start-ups interested in the beauty and luxury retail sectors are encouraged to apply for the programme.
Candidates must address one of L’Occitane en Provence’s three retail objectives – improvement of omnichannel operations and personalisation, data-driven decision making and maintenance of regional relevance through engagement with Gen Z consumers.
The programme lasts four months, with start-ups able to learn from advisors of The Greenhouse and senior leaders of L’Occitane en Provence.
At the end of the programme, start-ups must present a proof of concept to L’Occitane en Provence at The Greenhouse‘s headquarters in Dubai Design District.
Three finalists, for each of L’Occitane en Provence’s retail objectives, will receive funding and secure the opportunity to sign a commercial agreement with the brand in the future.
The Greenhouse scheme runs incubator and accelerator programmes for tech start-ups interested in integrating into the region’s retail industry.
Start-ups participating in the scheme stand a chance to sign commercial agreements with any of the Chalhoub Group’s 450 franchised brands in the Middle East.
Founded in 1955, the Chalhoub Group employs over 12,000 people across 14 countries.
Its franchised brands include Christian Dior, Louis Vuitton, Fendi, Baccarat, Carolina Herrera, Berluti, Ralph Lauren, Givenchy, Sephora, Elizabeth Arden, Michael Kors, Level Shoes, Tanagra, Faces, Christian Louboutin, Puig and Tory Burch.
