Recent events 

On Wednesday August 17th CEW(UK) were delighted to welcome Tracy Van Heusden, Senior Buyer Beauty at House of Fraser. She drew a huge crowd to the stunning Blue Fin theatre within the IPC Building, where the event was held.  Tracy is an entertaining speaker and soon had the audience smiling. She  began by telling Members about her transition from a career in South Africa, her family’s move to the UK, and her subsequent move into beauty, and her journey up the ladder. All of which was delivered  in Tracy’s own inimitable style - which set everyone off laughing again.  A family affair Tracy’s mother was in the audience which gave the event a real CEW family feel.  

She then gave some insightful advice about the life of a Buyer and the absolute dedication to and love of beauty.  She also gave a definition of a “Maverick Merchant!” It was obvious that the door is open to brands that fit the HoF beauty profile- niche and prestigious. Make sure you do your homework before you call on her!

Here’s Tracy’s career path.

She entered the industry 16 years ago, when she joined the beauty department of the well-known South African retailer, Garlicks. When she moved to the UK she joined the beauty buying team at Harvey Nichols, where she introduced brands such as By Kilian,  Bond No.9, Escentric Molecules, and Per-fékt to the UK market. Now, at House of Fraser, her focus is to ensure beauty meets the needs of today’s busy women - and men. She plans to make HoF the beauty destination on the high street.

An eclectic beauty consumer herself, Tracy enjoys the neutrality of being a buyer for a company that enables her to try new launches and niche brands without bias.  Thriving in a busy retail environment, Tracy constantly rises to any challenge and enjoys trying to achieve the unachievable. She is also a recognised figure in the beauty industry and is Chairwoman of the industry body COPRA and is on the Fifi sub-committee.

CEW(UK) would like to thank IPC Magazines for hosting this event.

CEW (UK)’s Mentoring Series offers their Members insights into beauty industry issues and inspiration for professional growth.