According to multiple reports, Hero Brands is expanding into the beauty industry through a partnership with blow-dry specialist Duck & Dry. Athif Sarwar, chairman at Hero Brands, stated in a press release that beauty is a category they've long seen potential in, and Duck & Dry is the perfect partner for Hero Brands' entry into the space. This move is expected to open up Hero Brands to a completely new consumer group, though the specific infrastructure and resources Hero Brands will provide to Duck & Dry remain unclear.
Duck & Dry has recently opened new salons at The Whiteley development in Notting Hill and within John Lewis on Oxford Street, according to multiple reports. The company is also expected to continue expanding, with a forthcoming opening at Battersea Power Station, but the exact number of new locations Duck & Dry plans to open this year beyond these mentioned ones is not confirmed. Hero Brands spans various sectors including media, licensing, lifestyle, and food and beverage in more than 190 locations, as reported by multiple sources.
Beauty is a category we've long seen potential in, and Duck & Dry is the perfect partner for Hero Brands' entry into the space.
Sarwar added in the press release that Duck & Dry's creativity and cultural pull align with their ambition to build the next generation of consumer brands, and this move unlocks major potential to take Duck & Dry from a salon brand to a full consumer lifestyle experience. Yulia Rorstrom, chief executive and founder at Duck & Dry, described it as a huge moment for the company in the press release. The financial terms or investment details of the partnership between Hero Brands and Duck & Dry have not been disclosed, and it is unknown how the partnership will affect Duck & Dry's operations or branding as it transitions from a founder-led company.
The timeline for Duck & Dry's expansion to national and international markets also remains unspecified.
Their creativity and cultural pull align with our ambition to build the next generation of consumer brands. This move unlocks major potential to take Duck & Dry from a salon brand to a full consumer lifestyle experience.