Los Angeles, CA – Prose, a pioneering beauty-tech brand renowned for its AI-powered custom hair and skin care products, has marked a significant milestone with the official opening of its new customization center in Commerce, California. Situated just south of downtown Los Angeles, this expansive 43,000 square foot facility represents the company’s first operational expansion outside of its flagship Brooklyn location, signaling a strategic move to bolster its presence and capabilities on the West Coast.
Strategic Expansion Driven by Growth
The decision to invest in a substantial West Coast operation comes on the heels of robust financial performance. Prose reported impressive 29% growth and achieved $165 million in revenue in 2024, demonstrating strong market demand for its personalized beauty solutions. The new Los Angeles-area facility is a direct response to this escalating demand, particularly from the company’s growing customer base in the western United States.
The investment in the Commerce center totals a significant $9 million, reflecting Prose’s commitment to scaling its operations and enhancing customer experience. The facility is designed to meet the unique needs of the West Coast market, providing localized production that was previously handled exclusively from the East Coast.
Enhancing Customer Experience and Logistics
A primary objective of the new customization center is to dramatically improve the customer experience for a large segment of Prose’s clientele. By bringing production closer to its West Coast customers, the company anticipates reducing shipping times for nearly 50% of its total customer base. This logistical optimization is expected to not only increase customer satisfaction but also streamline the company’s supply chain.
Operational efficiencies gained from having a bicoastal presence allow Prose to decentralize its fulfillment process, leading to faster delivery times and potentially lower shipping costs in the long term. This strategic placement in Commerce, a key logistics hub near Los Angeles, is critical to serving the vast and populous West Coast market effectively.
Commitment to Sustainability and Environmental Impact
Beyond logistics and customer service, the Commerce facility underscores Prose’s commitment to environmental sustainability. A key benefit of localized production and reduced shipping distances is a significant reduction in the company’s carbon footprint. Prose projects that the new center will cut downstream shipping emissions by 50%, translating to an annual reduction of 1.04 ktCO₂e (kilotonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent). This substantial environmental impact aligns with growing consumer preference for brands that demonstrate corporate responsibility.
The facility itself incorporates sustainable design principles. It utilizes renewable energy sources and features energy-efficient construction and operational systems, mirroring and building upon the sustainability initiatives implemented at the Brooklyn flagship location. This focus on environmental stewardship is integrated into the core design and function of the new center.
Operational Technology and Job Creation
The Commerce customization center is equipped with state-of-the-art technology, designed to mirror the sophisticated automated systems successfully deployed at the Brooklyn facility. These systems are integral to Prose’s ability to produce hyper-personalized hair and skin care formulas at scale, based on individual customer profiles analyzed by the company’s proprietary AI platform. The technological synergy between the two locations ensures consistent product quality and production efficiency across the country.
The expansion is also set to bring positive economic impact to the local community. Prose expects the new facility to create 55 new jobs in the Los Angeles area, contributing to local employment and economic development. These roles will span various functions within the customization center, from production and operations to logistics and administration.
Leadership Perspectives on the Expansion
The formal opening event for the Commerce facility saw the participation of key leadership figures from Prose. Arnaud Plas, CEO and Co-Founder of Prose, emphasized the strategic importance of the expansion for the company’s growth trajectory and its dedication to its West Coast customers. He highlighted the facility’s role in scaling production capabilities while maintaining the brand’s commitment to customization and sustainability.
Anthony Perdigao, COO of Prose, spoke to the operational intricacies of establishing the new center and its seamless integration with the existing East Coast operations. He detailed the technological infrastructure that enables efficient, personalized production at the new site.
Also present at the opening were Mike Fortner, VP of brand marketing, and Helen Nwosu, VP of social impact. Their presence underscored the comprehensive approach Prose is taking with this expansion, considering both market reach and community/environmental responsibilities.
Looking Ahead
The launch of the Los Angeles customization center marks a pivotal moment for Prose, solidifying its position as a leader in the personalized beauty market. By strategically investing in localized production, the company is poised to meet increasing customer demand more efficiently, reduce its environmental footprint, and create new economic opportunities. This expansion sets the stage for Prose’s continued growth and innovation in the dynamic beauty and tech landscape.
