Indian Sanghvi Brands opens first Clarins spa

Sanghvi Brands announced the opening of India's first Spa by Clarins at the soon-to-be-open W Goa hotel to reflect the country’s growing demand for luxurious natural and herbal products that focus on health and wellness.

The Spa, which was launched by Clarin’s global ambassador Prisca Courtin-Clarins, will use plant extracts and aromatic essential oils in its eight treatment rooms, special couples rooms, a heated indoor vitality pool and a wet section with steam, sauna, and showers along with other facilities.

“The launch of Spa by Clarins will set new standards and truly elevate the spa experience in India,”​ said Darpan Sanghvi, Managing Director of Sanghvi Brands.

“Sanghvi Brands continues to redefine the wellness experience in India with an ever-expanding portfolio of international and wellness brands that include over 60 spas, salons and gyms, either operational or under development.”​

Sanghvi Brands looks after a number of international lifestyle wellness brands and has exclusive rights for brands including Spa L’Occitane, Warren Tricomi Salons, Elle Spa & Salons, Levo Spa & Salon, Holyfield Gyms, My Glamm and Hollywood trainer Ramona Braganza.

“Clarins is enjoying a growing reputation in Asia and Australia, as it continues to gain market share. We are extremely elated to have entered India with our signature Spa by CLARINS with the W group of hotels,” said Prisca Courtin-Clarins, SPAs, My Blend and Retail Director and Member of the Board of Directors of Clarins Group.

Age-old holistic therapies​

Increasingly, Indian consumers have sought natural, herbal and Ayurvedic beauty products as leading brands have created new products and sophisticated marketing campaigns that focus on these as main purchasing drivers.

Ayurvedic products stem from India’s holistic healing beliefs that emphasise the importance of balancing the mind, body and spirit to achieve optimum health and wellness.

Luxury market in India

The country’s luxury cosmetics market has grown in recent years, largely due to increased purchasing power and a willingness to try a variety of products that focus on different cosmetics, beauty and personal care needs.

In its 2016 global annual review of the body care market, Mintel announced that India has witnessed the highest CAGR over the last five years, and in a stark contrast to many of its competitors, can expect a further rise in sales.

As a large number of Indian consumers seek prestige beauty products, the nation’s brands should launch new luxurious products that narrow the gap between low cost and high-end sectors to spur growth, reported Market research company Mintel.

The real competition in India appears to be between international and domestic brands that are strengthening their appeal to consumers to increase bodycare buys.

Global companies including Unilever, Colgate-Palmolive India, Reckitt Benckiser (India) and Gillette India, along with multinational brands such as  Beiersdorf and L’Oréal have maximised brand awareness and loyalty through creating diverse product portfolios and directly targeting middle class consumers.

Positive growth potential ​

Euromonitor International reported that as India’s popular cosmetics lines have limited penetration in the country, it has significant opportunities for growth.  

The ongoing demand will be optimised by a range of drivers including “rising disposable incomes, increasing product penetration, the growth of modern retailers, increasing awareness of beauty and personal care products, the rising aspirations of consumers, and strong economic growth”. Yet, despite these variables, beauty and personal care products are expected to rise in the coming years.

As a result of changing lifestyle trends throughout the country, consumer purchasing habits focus on selecting luxury items that reflect both style and status. Brands are also investing in strong marketing strategies and campaigns to ensure its products reach the mass market.  

Despite the online-to-offline (O2O) trend gaining huge traction in other APAC players, Indian consumers prefer to visit bricks-and-mortar stores in order to try luxury items before they buy and experience premium shopping.

As China's luxury market has slowed down, many of these consumers are now turning to India, and with the Indian government encouraging market entry for Indian luxury goods, more brands are anticipated to enter the country.