South Africa’s leading beauty destination, ARC, has found a new home in Sandton City — and it’s nothing short of spectacular. The brand’s newest flagship spans 800 square metres of curated indulgence, designed to redefine the way beauty lovers experience luxury shopping.
For ARC, this moment is more than a store opening; it’s a celebration of growth and a statement of intent. The retailer has come a long way since its debut in 2021, when it first introduced local shoppers to a global beauty playground filled with exclusive brands, immersive experiences, and a spirit of individuality.
“We’ve been in Sandton since 2021, and that store was our most successful location,” says Kim Garner, ARC’s marketing executive. “But we wanted a bigger space — somewhere we could bring in more brands and create an even richer experience for our community. So we moved into Sandton City, and this store is double the size, and then some.”
A Space Built for Discovery
Stepping into the new store feels like entering a beauty sanctuary. Each corner has been thoughtfully designed to invite exploration — from The Sanctuary, a skincare haven where customers can develop personalised routines, to The Pod, an intimate space for treatments and consultations.
ARC’s signature service-first approach continues here, with make-up artists, fragrance experts, and skincare specialists on hand to guide customers through the aisles. There’s even a “matchmaker booth” where foundation shades can be tested under different lighting conditions — an innovation that ensures your shade looks perfect whether you’re at a garden wedding or a candlelit dinner.
At the heart of it all is an impressive line-up of exclusive brands. Huda Beauty and Fenty Beauty remain firm favourites, joined by newcomers It Cosmetics, Biotherm, Urban Decay (back by popular demand), YSL Beauty Makeup, Clarins, and Dolce & Gabbana Makeup — all unveiled at the flagship’s opening celebration.
“We launched over seven new brands on opening day alone,” Kim shares, her excitement obvious. “Some of these have never been available in South Africa before, so we wanted to make sure our Sandton flagship became the home for these global icons.”
Where Global Trends Meet Local Energy
In keeping with ARC’s modern, inclusive ethos, the flagship doesn’t just cater to global beauty trends — it interprets them through a local lens. The store’s “trending table” is a dedicated space for products making waves on TikTok and Instagram, featuring viral favourites like Paula’s Choice BHA Exfoliant, IT Cosmetics CC+ Cream, and the much-anticipated return of Urban Decay.
And soon, the excitement will continue with another major coup: Drunk Elephant, the cult skincare brand, will make its South African debut exclusively at ARC Sandton.
Yet, what makes this store distinctly ARC is how it marries international glamour with homegrown creativity. Four Johannesburg artists were commissioned to create murals celebrating the beauty of the city, adding an unmistakably local energy to the luxe interiors.
Beauty for Everyone
Inclusivity has always been central to ARC’s philosophy. Since its founding in 2020, the brand has stood out not just for its premium offering, but for its personality — playful, welcoming, and deeply passionate about celebrating individuality.
“Our tagline, For the Love of Beauty, really sums it up,” Kim explains. “We’re obsessed with beauty, but we’re also about creating a space that feels warm and inviting. Whether you’re a beauty newbie who’s never tried anything before or a professional make-up artist, you belong here. You can play, experiment, and have fun while discovering what makes you feel beautiful.”
That commitment to accessibility extends to how ARC celebrates its customers. During its opening weekend, the brand turned the launch into a multi-day experience, filled with games, giveaways, spot prizes, and an enormous hamper competition featuring over 50 full-sized products.
“Yes, we love our influencers,” Kim laughs, “but our day-one customers are the heartbeat of our brand. We wanted the celebration to include everyone.”
Looking Ahead
As for what’s next, ARC isn’t slowing down. The retailer plans to continue expanding its national footprint while introducing even more coveted brands to the local market.
“You can expect loads of new launches in the coming months,” Kim teases. “In fact, there’s a major skincare brand coming in just two weeks — one that South Africans are going to be very excited about. Beyond that, we’re also opening more stores across the country. Cape Town, we’re coming for you.”
The Sandton flagship is more than a store — it’s a statement. It represents ARC’s belief that beauty should be immersive, inclusive, and above all, joyful. From the viral products on the trending table to the artistic walls that frame them, every detail has been considered to make visitors feel at home in a space built for the love of beauty.
And as South Africa’s beauty landscape continues to evolve, ARC’s new flagship ensures that discovery will always be at the heart of it.