iKOU is preparing to take on a partner for the first time in its history, with plans to roll out another 10 retail stores around Australia, focused on regional holiday destinations.
Founded in 2007 by Naomi and Paul Whitfeld from their kitchen in the Blue Mountains, iKOU quickly became the clear industry leader in spa partnerships with 5-Star Luxury Hotel & Resort Spas across Australia- with full spa product, treatment and education solutions for spa and retail. Longstanding partnerships include Park Hyatt Sydney & NZ, Emirates One & Only Wolgan Valley, The Langham Gold Coast , Sydney and Melbourne, EOS Skycity, Lizard Island and the Pullman Vie Spa group.
Often described as “The Next Aesop”- for its iconic Australian-made brand status and strikingly beautiful boutiques, the brand was built for multiple categories and channels- with 3 iKOU retail stores (QVB Building Sydney CBD, Leura Blue Mountains and Byron Bay), a successful online store and a diverse wholesale division spanning various retail environments. iKOU is an innovative Australian-made organic high-performance skincare, body care, bath and luxury spa lifestyle brand with a differentiating focus on wellness – inspiring spa rituals “to rest, relax and restore” (the Japanese meaning of the name iKOU) whilst combining benefits for skin, mind and body as a whole.
The brand recently won three Australasian Spa & Wellness awards- including two consumer voted categories for both “Best Skincare for Face” and “Best Skincare for Body”, another evidence of the loyal following of devotees of the brand who have amassed thousands of 5-Star reviews.
Their cult skincare product “Baobab & Neroli Calming Face Oil” won Best Face Oil in the Wellbeing Magazine Awards.
When approached for an interview, Founder Naomi advised that despite rumours, no broker has been engaged to represent the brand- she did however confirm they are currently evaluating and open to interest from parties who are passionate about leveraging their iconic Australian-made brand status and retail plans.
Naomi, who is an author, winner of Telstra Business Women’s Awards “Entrepreneur of the Year” and 2022 “Wellness Warrior of the Year” intends to remain as an integral part of the brand leadership.
