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The Body Shop Announces Closure of Nearly Half of UK Stores, Leading to Job Losses

February 20, 2024

The high street beauty retailer Body Shop has agreed to sell its 250 stores in a £207million deal after struggling with profitability.

The Body Shop has announced plans to close nearly half of its 198 stores in the UK, resulting in significant job losses. The decision comes as part of a broader restructuring effort aimed at revitalising the brand and ensuring its long-term sustainability.

According to the administrators overseeing the restructuring, closures will commence immediately, with affected stores shuttering their doors as early as Tuesday. The move is expected to lead to hundreds of job losses, impacting approximately 2,200 employees across the UK, including 750 staff members at the company’s head office.

The decision to downsize the store network and reduce the size of the head office is driven by the need to streamline operations and optimize resources. By consolidating its presence and reallocating resources, The Body Shop hopes to reinvigorate its brand and adapt to evolving market dynamics.

Notably, the closures will initially target stores in high-rent areas, including four locations in London, as well as outlets in Nuneaton, Ashford, and Bristol. These strategic closures reflect the company’s efforts to mitigate overhead costs and focus on more profitable locations.

Despite the significant restructuring measures, The Body Shop has reassured customers that its remaining stores and online platform will continue to operate as usual. The company remains committed to serving its loyal customer base and maintaining its presence in the UK market throughout the restructuring process.

The announcement of store closures comes shortly after the UK arm of The Body Shop was placed into administration, last week following its acquisition by Aurelius, a German private equity firm. The move underscores the challenges faced by retailers in an increasingly competitive and rapidly evolving market landscape.

As The Body Shop embarks on this journey of transformation, the company seeks to emerge stronger and more resilient, equipped to navigate the complexities of the retail industry and meet the evolving needs of consumers. While the decision to close stores and reduce headcount is undoubtedly difficult, it is viewed as a necessary step towards securing the brand’s future success.

The Body Shop’s restructuring efforts highlight the broader trend of adaptation and innovation within the retail sector, as companies strive to remain agile and competitive in an ever-changing business environment. As the industry continues to evolve, stakeholders will closely monitor the progress of The Body Shop’s restructuring journey and its implications for the future of the brand.