Sephora rolls out Quiet Hours shopping initiative globally following ‘successful’ pilot

By Amanda May | Published: 22-Jun-2026

The LVMH-owned beauty retailer is expanding its inclusive Quiet Hours shopping scheme globally – where music is turned down and lights dimmed during specific retail time slots to create a ‘calmer atmosphere’ – following a successful trial in 32 stores across eight markets

Sephora is rolling out its Quiet Hours inclusive shopping initiative globally following a “highly successful” pilot.

The LVMH-owned retailer’s scheme – which sees its shops turn down the music, dim the lights and adjust screens to create a “calmer atmosphere” during specific retail time slots – will be deployed in all regions after being well received in 32 Sephora stores across eight markets.

Quiet Hours aims to deliver a quieter, less overwhelming hour of the day where visitors can shop more peacefully.

The initiative was shaped by Sephora listening to the neurodiversity community and experts, such as global inclusive research agency Open Inclusion and consultancy Purposeful Futures.

The initial pilot phase has proven “highly successful”, said the retailer in a statement, with most of its neurodivergent shoppers stating Quiet Hours has “significantly” improved their experience.

A further 90% of clients think Quiet Hours makes Sephora stores more inclusive and welcoming for all, added the statement from the retailer.

“With Quiet Hours at Sephora, we provide a beautifully calm atmosphere where clients feel welcome, allowing them to shop at their own pace, find and purchase the products they love,” said Deborah Yeh, Global Chief Marketing Officer at Sephora.

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“Quiet Hours at Sephora is one meaningful step in our ongoing commitment to building more welcoming environments for our employees, consumers and communities – and we know there is still much more to learn and do.

“We are proud of this step forward – and equally committed to continuing to listen, learn and grow alongside the communities we serve.”

Sephora joins the likes of beauty retailers Lush, Selfridges, Molton Brown and Superdrug, which all carry initiatives across its portfolio designed to create a more peaceful in-store shopping experience.

Christine Hemphill, of Open Inclusion, said Sephora’s Quiet Hours scheme has helped “create an environment that is more welcoming, accessible and comfortable for many people”.

She added: “It is a powerful example of how listening to broader perspectives can help ambitious, customer-oriented brands like Sephora design their spaces and service experiences where all consumer needs are considered and included.

“This is the future of retail.”

Last month, Sephora in the UK piloted facial differences training with its in-store beauty advisors via a new charity partnership with Face Equality International.

Beauty advisors were given access to a new training programme to help combat negative experiences those in the facial difference community have lived, while also being equipped with the tools they need to service customers with bespoke needs.