The Body Shop UK to close stores cut jobs amid restructuring

The Body Shop will shut 75 stores in the UK over the coming weeks and cut 489 jobs, according to the company overseeing its restructuring.

Redundancies and Store Closures:

The UK arm of The Body Shop, a global beauty chain, is undergoing significant restructuring, resulting in the closure of between 750 and 800 jobs. Despite this, the company plans to keep 116 stores across the UK operational. 

The restructuring comes after the company was placed into administration earlier this month.

Swift Action by FRP Advisory:

FRP Advisory, the firm overseeing the restructuring process, announced that affected staff would receive support with claims to the Redundancy Payments Service. 

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Tony Wright from FRP Advisory emphasized the swift action taken to stabilize the business through right-sizing the store portfolio.

Historical Background:

Founded in Brighton in 1976 by Dame Anita Roddick, The Body Shop gained renown for its natural beauty products and advocacy against animal testing. Over the years, it experienced rapid expansion. 

However, the company faced criticism when it was sold to French beauty giant L’Oreal in 2006, causing concern among loyal followers regarding the alignment of business values.

Recent Ownership Changes:

Following two changes in ownership, The Body Shop was acquired by private equity firm Aurelius in late 2023. However, poor sales during the Christmas and January period prompted the decision to place the UK arm into administration. 

This move reflects the challenges faced by The Body Shop in a changing market, where competitors like Lush and Rituals have gained popularity in the natural beauty sector.

Looking Ahead:

Despite the setbacks, FRP Advisory remains committed to exploring all options to move the business forward. The restructuring aims to ensure the company’s sustainability and competitiveness in the evolving beauty market landscape.