The Importance of Aesthetic Leadership for Retail Shops Selling Aesthetic Products and the Role of the CEO

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Anastasiou A. & Konstantinou I.

Abstract

Beauty retailers—covering cosmetics, skincare, fragrances, and medical aesthetics—hold a unique position in the retail landscape, as their offerings are tied to the promise of beauty, requiring store environments that embody this very idea. In these settings, elements like store layout, lighting, staff presentation, and overall organization play an immediate role in shaping customer perceptions, even before direct engagement with products. This creates a strong link between physical experience and brand perception, making aesthetic leadership essential. Rather than being superficial enhancements, sensory, symbolic, and emotional qualities become core components of business operations. For these retailers, effective aesthetic leadership enhances both customer experience and brand trust by ensuring the store atmosphere aligns with what the products represent. The article underscores the importance of this strategy and examines how CEOs can integrate aesthetic leadership into company culture to maintain consistency and authenticity across all customer touchpoints.

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References

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