The British high street faces another significant blow as administrators for the iconic beauty retailer, The Body Shop, have confirmed the immediate closure of 75 stores across the UK. The drastic move will result in the loss of hundreds of jobs and leaves the future of the beloved chain hanging in the balance.
FRP Advisory, the firm handling the administration process, stated that the closures are part of a major restructuring effort to "preserve the brand" and create a more financially viable business. This decision impacts nearly half of its 198 UK stores, with seven locations shutting their doors for good as early as today.
Which Body Shop Stores Are Closing?
The full list of confirmed closures has been released. Among the branches set to disappear from the high street are several key locations, including:
- Surrey - Ashford Town Centre
- Bristol - The Mall at Cribbs Causeway
- Edinburgh - Fort Kinnaird
- London - Canary Wharf's Cabot Place
- Birmingham - Nuneaton
- Northern Ireland - Newtownabbey's Abbey Centre
- Wales - Broughton Shopping Centre
This widespread closure plan will inevitably alter the retail landscape in towns and cities nationwide.
A Changing of the Guard
The Body Shop fell into administration in February, merely weeks after being acquired by the European private equity firm Aurelius from the Brazilian beauty giant Natura & Co. The administration process has put over 2,000 jobs at risk, including those at the company's London headquarters.
This restructuring signifies a profound shift for a brand once celebrated for its ethical stance and pioneering activism. The news has sent shockwaves through the retail sector, highlighting the ongoing challenges facing the UK's high streets.
Administrators have assured that all remaining open stores will continue to trade as normal for now. Customers are also reminded that the company's popular online sales platform remains operational. However, the future of this British institution remains uncertain as administrators seek a buyer for the remaining parts of the business.
