The Body Shop, a global beauty chain, has announced the closure of 75 stores in the UK, resulting in the loss of 489 jobs. This decision is part of a restructuring process overseen by FRP Advisory, which has also implemented cost-cutting measures at the company's head office, leading to the redundancy of between 750 and 800 employees.
The UK arm of The Body Shop was recently placed into administration, and store closures are expected to take place over the next four to six weeks. FRP Advisory has stated that they will provide support to affected staff through claims to the Redundancy Payments Service.
The Body Shop was established in 1976 by Dame Anita Roddick. Known for its natural beauty products and ethical stance, the company grew rapidly in the years following its founding. However, its reputation faced challenges after being acquired by L'Oreal in 2006 and later by private equity firm Aurelius in 2023.
Once a popular brand in the 1980s and 1990s, The Body Shop's appeal declined with the emergence of competitors such as Lush and Rituals in the natural beauty market. As a result, the company faced financial difficulties, culminating in the decision to close its UK stores.