Bath & Body Works to open seven new UK stores before Christmas

Bath & Body Works, the US-based health and beauty retailer, has confirmed plans to open seven new stores across the UK before Christmas, bringing its total number of British branches to 21.

The company, which specialises in soaps and scented candles, currently operates 14 stores in Britain alongside dozens of in-shop concessions within Next locations. Founded in Ohio in 1990, the retailer initially launched in the UK in 2022 through a partnership with Next before expanding to standalone sites in cities including London, Manchester and Newcastle.

Expansion amid cautious retail climate

Daniel Heaf, chief of the brand, told Retail Week: "We see the UK as an important market for Bath & Body Works, and one with exciting potential. While some brands may be reassessing their international priorities, we see a significant opportunity to introduce more consumers here to what makes Bath & Body Works so special, as reflected in our continued investment and expanding presence in the market."

The expansion comes as the national retail climate continues to be characterised by cautious consumer spending and rising operating costs. Retail sales growth remained subdued in September, according to the British Retail Consortium (BRC), as households exercised caution in spending ahead of expected rises in household bills and taxes. Despite this, health and beauty recorded its strongest month of the year so far as consumers "continued to prioritise small indulgences and refresh their routines".

Other retailers also expanding

Bath & Body Works is not the only business planning to boost its portfolio in the next three months. Aldi has confirmed ambitions to launch 24 new sites before 2027, while discount retailer B&M said it wants to open a further eight branches this year. New B&M locations include sites in Essex, Greater Manchester and the Isle of Wight, it announced this month.