Adore Beauty Faces Supplier Unrest Amidst Aggressive Retail Expansion

Online beauty retailer Adore Beauty is facing mounting pressure from suppliers who claim they are owed significant sums, with one brand stating it is owed $40,000, even as the company continues to open new physical stores.

Sources indicate that suppliers are actively chasing unpaid bills, contributing to an atmosphere of unease within the company. Alongside the financial disputes, there are reports of staff reductions and a noticeable absence of the complimentary Tim Tams traditionally offered to shoppers. Despite these challenges, Adore Beauty has proceeded with its strategy of opening new bricks-and-mortar locations across Australia.

Adore Beauty, founded as an online store in 2000 by James Height and Kate Morris, has expanded its retail footprint significantly. The company opened its 16th physical store recently. The opening of the Broadway store, for instance, attracted queues of young shoppers eager for a first look.

Chief executive Sacha Laing joined Adore Beauty in September 2024. While there is no suggestion that Laing is personally responsible for the alleged unpaid bills, one supplier reportedly attributed payment delays to a 'transition to a new system.' Founders James Height and Kate Morris, who stepped down from executive duties in 2023 but remain on the board, are also not suggested to be personally responsible for any outstanding payments.