March 13, 2024 • 4 mins
In this episode, Rob from WBBM NEWSRADIO delves into 'Sephora Kids,' an intriguing phenomenon involving tweens gravitating towards skincare, driven by social media platforms like TikTok. Speaking to us is Bob Phibbs, CEO of the Retail Doctor, based in New York. Bob explains how these young girls from 10 to 12-year-olds are watching skincare videos online, visiting stores like Sephora and Ulta, and selecting high-end products designed for mature skin. The result? There is an unfortunate increase in skincare issues among the young demographic, including acne and rashes.
As parents struggle to cope with the unexpected blow to household budgets from expensive skincare products, the conversation also touches upon body image, how young teens strive to be popular and imitate adults. Bob discusses the pivotal role played by retail associates
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
(00:00):
Love the flexibility of working in all sorts of places? Well,
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(00:24):
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ashley sleep mattresses starting at 250 plus
receive a free adjustable base with select mattress purchases and shop top mattress
brands like sterns and foster temper pedic purple and beauty rest black with
(00:49):
60 months special financing only at ashley subject to credit approval no minimum
purchase required minimum monthly payment down payment tax and delivery may
be required see See store for details.
In just 10 minutes a day, Chicago's All Local delivers a power-packed punch
of hyper-local news straight to your ears.
Make Chicago's All Local a habit. Text WBBM to 20357 for a link to listen to
(01:12):
the All Local. Message and data rates may apply.
The WBBM Noon Business Hour continues.
There's a new trend among tweens nationwide. Nationwide, it's known as Sephora Kids.
Joining us to explain is Bob Fibb, CEO of The Retail Doctor,
based in New York. Bob, thank you for joining us today.
And Sephora Kids is more of a catch-all phrase for teens and tweens who are
(01:38):
really interested in skin care.
It's not necessarily a brand name endorsement.
That's exactly it, Rob. It's really this phenomenon of particularly young women,
10 to 12, who are watching TikTok videos,
and they are seeing all these fairly expensive moisturizers and unique things
(01:58):
with retinol, which is great for old people, but not good for young people.
And they are going into Sephora and Ulta, and they're bypassing.
They're talking to people who could actually help them make an informed choice,
and they're buying or putting this on their face and it's ending up in acne
and rashes and all sorts of things.
So a lot of parents are noticing and yet it has led to an increase in sales
(02:22):
for the beauty brands because beauty is hot right now.
I was going to say, I am the father of a 10-year-old girl and she and her 10-year-old
friends are going through a little bit of a skincare phase.
I did not know that that made her a Sephora kid, but apparently she does fit the description.
And above and beyond the physical skin care issues is that a lot of this stuff is expensive.
(02:46):
And if you have a 10-year-old who doesn't necessarily know about proportions
or how much it costs to replace it It can also do a dent to your household budget, too,
Well, you know, this may be a relevant thing, but I was talking to a guy who
runs a gun range, and he was talking about how his nephew came in.
He goes, I want to shoot a gun. He's like, well, first we have to go through
(03:07):
and explain how you use them and how you clean them and respect them.
He's like, no, no, no, just let me do it.
And that's kind of what we're doing here is you've seen a video.
It's like I don't want to have anyone to tell me anything.
I've got my mom or dad's credit card, and more is better.
And they're still kids, aren't they, Rob? I mean, that's the problem. We're still talking.
(03:55):
In the between, and we can't get there anymore. And they just want to imitate mom and dad.
I don't know anyone wanting to imitate their parents.
I'm sorry. I think what it is, is they want to be popular because in one article
I was reading, this woman bought her daughter a vanity set so she could display
all her high-priced cosmetics.
(04:17):
And it's like, that's not it. It's this idea of, you know, maybe it's their
version of a 59 Chevy or something.
I don't know that you're showing off.
And ultimately you have to say, and where does that come from?
Which means that they're not good enough.
I think you have to look at body image and you have to look at you're being
marketed to in a very, very sophisticated way because those influencers are
(04:42):
all, are they caring about your daughter? No, they're caring about what?
Get the exposure and they get the hits and they get paid as that.
So I think there's a lot. It's a great discussion to have and more than we have time for.
And then very quickly, Bob, is there a way to meet in the middle, though?
Obviously, you have kids who are interested in this sort of thing,
but are there introductory products that can get them in without breaking the bank or causing harm?
(05:07):
Well, I think certainly you could be talking about cleansers and those kind of things.
But I think I think the key for me as the brick and mortar retail doctor is
to say, go in there, parents, with your daughter to the store and have an associate
explain it to them. That's all.
The associates at Sephora and Ulta are great.
But if you're going to let them just go free range, then they can get hurt.
(05:29):
And we don't like that. No, we don't. We do not. Bob Phib, CEO of the Retail Doctor in New York.
Love the flexibility of working in all sorts of places?
Well, working on the go seamlessly requires a strong network like T-Mobile.
We have America's largest 5G network, so whether you're on a video call at the
park or uploading large files at a coffee shop, we have the 5G speed you need.
(05:51):
Whatever takes you on the go, T-Mobile's
got you covered. Find out more at T-Mobile.com slash network today.
Coverage not available in some areas. See 5G device coverage and access details at T-Mobile.com.
Celebrate and save at Ashley's Anniversary Sale. With Hot Buys,
your choice of colors starting at just $3.99.
(06:11):
Ashley Sleep Mattresses starting at $250. Plus, receive a free adjustable base
with select mattress purchases.
And shop top mattress brands like Sterns and Foster, Tempur-Pedic,
Purple, and Beautyrest Black with 60-month special financing.
Only at Ashley. Subject to credit approval. No minimum purchase required.
Minimum monthly payment, down payment, tax and delivery may be required. See store for details.
(06:34):
Nerds! Today's episode is sponsored by NerdWallet's Smart Money Podcast.
Ready to level up your financial game?
Let NerdWallet guide you with smart strategies for lasting success.
Get savvy tax planning pointers to maximize your savings, money-saving travel
tips for your next family getaway, and investing insights like how a 529 plan
can help you send your kids to college.
(06:55):
Unlock the key to saving to help you earn more money.
Follow NerdWallet's Smart Money Podcast on your favorite podcast app.
Future you will thank you in 2024.
Love the flexibility of working in all sorts of places? Well,
working on-the-go seamlessly requires a strong network like T-Mobile.
We have America's largest 5G network, so whether you're on a video call at the
park or uploading large files at a coffee shop, we have the 5G speed you need.
Whatever takes you on-the-go, T-Mobile's
got you covered. Find out more at T-Mobile.com slash network today.
(00:24):
Coverage not available in some areas. See 5G device coverage and access details at T-Mobile.com.
Celebrate and save at ashley's anniversary sale with
hot buys your choice of colors starting at just 399
ashley sleep mattresses starting at 250 plus
receive a free adjustable base with select mattress purchases and shop top mattress
brands like sterns and foster temper pedic purple and beauty rest black with
(00:49):
60 months special financing only at ashley subject to credit approval no minimum
purchase required minimum monthly payment down payment tax and delivery may
be required see See store for details.
In just 10 minutes a day, Chicago's All Local delivers a power-packed punch
of hyper-local news straight to your ears.
Make Chicago's All Local a habit. Text WBBM to 20357 for a link to listen to
(01:12):
the All Local. Message and data rates may apply.
The WBBM Noon Business Hour continues.
There's a new trend among tweens nationwide. Nationwide, it's known as Sephora Kids.
Joining us to explain is Bob Fibb, CEO of The Retail Doctor,
based in New York. Bob, thank you for joining us today.
And Sephora Kids is more of a catch-all phrase for teens and tweens who are
(01:38):
really interested in skin care.
It's not necessarily a brand name endorsement.
That's exactly it, Rob. It's really this phenomenon of particularly young women,
10 to 12, who are watching TikTok videos,
and they are seeing all these fairly expensive moisturizers and unique things
(01:58):
with retinol, which is great for old people, but not good for young people.
And they are going into Sephora and Ulta, and they're bypassing.
They're talking to people who could actually help them make an informed choice,
and they're buying or putting this on their face and it's ending up in acne
and rashes and all sorts of things.
So a lot of parents are noticing and yet it has led to an increase in sales
(02:22):
for the beauty brands because beauty is hot right now.
I was going to say, I am the father of a 10-year-old girl and she and her 10-year-old
friends are going through a little bit of a skincare phase.
I did not know that that made her a Sephora kid, but apparently she does fit the description.
And above and beyond the physical skin care issues is that a lot of this stuff is expensive.
(02:46):
And if you have a 10-year-old who doesn't necessarily know about proportions
or how much it costs to replace it It can also do a dent to your household budget, too,
Well, you know, this may be a relevant thing, but I was talking to a guy who
runs a gun range, and he was talking about how his nephew came in.
He goes, I want to shoot a gun. He's like, well, first we have to go through
(03:07):
and explain how you use them and how you clean them and respect them.
He's like, no, no, no, just let me do it.
And that's kind of what we're doing here is you've seen a video.
It's like I don't want to have anyone to tell me anything.
I've got my mom or dad's credit card, and more is better.
And they're still kids, aren't they, Rob? I mean, that's the problem. We're still talking.
(03:55):
In the between, and we can't get there anymore. And they just want to imitate mom and dad.
I don't know anyone wanting to imitate their parents.
I'm sorry. I think what it is, is they want to be popular because in one article
I was reading, this woman bought her daughter a vanity set so she could display
all her high-priced cosmetics.
(04:17):
And it's like, that's not it. It's this idea of, you know, maybe it's their
version of a 59 Chevy or something.
I don't know that you're showing off.
And ultimately you have to say, and where does that come from?
Which means that they're not good enough.
I think you have to look at body image and you have to look at you're being
marketed to in a very, very sophisticated way because those influencers are
(04:42):
all, are they caring about your daughter? No, they're caring about what?
Get the exposure and they get the hits and they get paid as that.
So I think there's a lot. It's a great discussion to have and more than we have time for.
And then very quickly, Bob, is there a way to meet in the middle, though?
Obviously, you have kids who are interested in this sort of thing,
but are there introductory products that can get them in without breaking the bank or causing harm?
(05:07):
Well, I think certainly you could be talking about cleansers and those kind of things.
But I think I think the key for me as the brick and mortar retail doctor is
to say, go in there, parents, with your daughter to the store and have an associate
explain it to them. That's all.
The associates at Sephora and Ulta are great.
But if you're going to let them just go free range, then they can get hurt.
(05:29):
And we don't like that. No, we don't. We do not. Bob Phib, CEO of the Retail Doctor in New York.
Love the flexibility of working in all sorts of places?
Well, working on the go seamlessly requires a strong network like T-Mobile.
We have America's largest 5G network, so whether you're on a video call at the
park or uploading large files at a coffee shop, we have the 5G speed you need.
(05:51):
Whatever takes you on the go, T-Mobile's
got you covered. Find out more at T-Mobile.com slash network today.
Coverage not available in some areas. See 5G device coverage and access details at T-Mobile.com.
Celebrate and save at Ashley's Anniversary Sale. With Hot Buys,
your choice of colors starting at just $3.99.
(06:11):
Ashley Sleep Mattresses starting at $250. Plus, receive a free adjustable base
with select mattress purchases.
And shop top mattress brands like Sterns and Foster, Tempur-Pedic,
Purple, and Beautyrest Black with 60-month special financing.
Only at Ashley. Subject to credit approval. No minimum purchase required.
Minimum monthly payment, down payment, tax and delivery may be required. See store for details.
(06:34):
Nerds! Today's episode is sponsored by NerdWallet's Smart Money Podcast.
Ready to level up your financial game?
Let NerdWallet guide you with smart strategies for lasting success.
Get savvy tax planning pointers to maximize your savings, money-saving travel
tips for your next family getaway, and investing insights like how a 529 plan
can help you send your kids to college.
(06:55):
Unlock the key to saving to help you earn more money.
Follow NerdWallet's Smart Money Podcast on your favorite podcast app.
Future you will thank you in 2024.
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