SalonCentric Canada has signed a definitive agreement to acquire all assets of CONCEPT JP, a professional salon distributor based in Montreal. The deal marks SalonCentric’s first move into Quebec and broadens its presence in the Canadian market.
“Concept JP provides quality products, education and customer experiences,” said Mark Sawchuk, General Manager of SalonCentric Canada, told CosmeticsDesign. “SalonCentric Canada will build upon [these] to support stylists and salon owners in an ever-evolving industry.”
Strengthening national distribution
The acquisition includes CONCEPT JP’s full operations, “including stores, field sales, and the corporate headquarters and support functions,” Sawchuk confirmed, adding 11 professional-only stores, 18 sales representatives, and a team of 85 employees to SalonCentric’s growing network.
As with previous expansions into Ontario and British Columbia, the Quebec-based operations will be integrated into SalonCentric’s omni-channel model. “These channels will be fully integrated into the SalonCentric Canada network to continue serving our customers in an omni-channel approach,” Sawchuk said.
Expanding access to professional brands
The agreement also includes the Quebec distribution of K18, a biotech hair care brand that has grown rapidly in recent years. “K18 is part of the partner brands that will be serviced under the SalonCentric Canada banner in Quebec with this acquisition,” Sawchuk explained.
He added that the transition would be seamless for existing customers. “Current K-18 customers will continue to receive the same excellent service and support from SalonCentric Quebec as they did prior to the acquisition,” he said.
L’Oréal Canada emphasized the broader impact of the expansion in the company’s press announcement: “The expansion of SalonCentric Canada in Quebec demonstrates our dedication to providing access to stylists nationwide to a premier destination with an unparalleled selection of products and exceptional service.”
Aligning with a long-term strategy
The move supports L’Oréal Canada’s broader strategy for its Professional Products Division as it “demonstrates our dedication to providing access to stylists nationwide to a premier destination with an unparalleled selection of products and exceptional service,” the company stated in a press release.
For SalonCentric Canada, the acquisition also fits into a long-term plan to modernize its national distribution framework. “This first regional expansion into the Quebec market is part of SalonCentric Canada’s larger strategy to create a modern-day distribution network,” Sawchuk explained.
This network, he said, aims to deliver “dynamic and innovative brands and products; digital innovations that inspire and support the stylist; and business-building tools that help stylists maximize their time and create efficiencies.”
A legacy of service in Quebec
Founded in 1996 by Jean-Pierre Perron, CONCEPT JP began as a Redken distributor and evolved into one of Quebec’s major salon product suppliers. Its portfolio includes Olaplex, Living Proof, and EVO.
“We are pleased to welcome CONCEPT JP to the SalonCentric Beauty Community,” Bertrand Fontaine, President of SalonCentric North America, shared in a press statement. “Their commitment to the professional salon industry – and specifically in providing exceptional customer service to salons and stylists – aligns with SalonCentric’s strong values.”