Virgin selects cosmetics chain team

Virgin has appointed a design consultancy, believed to be Design Clinic, to create the retail format for its planned launch of a Virgin Cosmetics chain.

A spokeswoman for retail consultants Liz and Mark Warom, who were made responsible for appointing designers by Virgin, confirms that a consultancy was appointed late last year and is “very far on with the development of stores”.

She says that “product” design for the chain is already complete. Virgin Cosmetics is looking to open 100 stores over the next five years and is intended as a competitor to Boots the Chemist and The Body Shop.

Design Clinic was unavailable for comment, but sources close to the consultancy confirm that it is “involved with the project”.