Bodyshop announces store closures and jobs cuts, some from today

The Body Shop has announced today that half it’s UK stores would close, with the first seven closures happening today.

It will also be cutting staff by up to 40% at it’s London-based head office.

FRP Advisory, the administrator for The Body Shop, said in a statement today that “a reduced store footprint, will coincide with a renewed focus on the brand’s products, online sales channels and wholesale strategies,” describing the brand’s current portfolio as ‘no longer viable after “years of unprofitability”.

FRP said the changes would create a “more nimble, financially viable model” following the earlier sale of loss-making businesses in mainland Europe and parts of Asia.

The seven stores announced as closing today include:

• Oxford Street Bond Street (London)

• Canary Wharf (London)

• Cheapside (London)

• Nuneaton (Warwickshire)

• Ashford Town Centre (Kent)

• Bristol Queens Road (Bristol)

Administrators said that the brand’s current portfolio is no longer viable after “years of unprofitability” and administrators reassured customers that more than half of the remaining 198 outlets will remain open.

The brand’s global franchise partners are reported unaffected.

Business in the News

Bodyshop announces store closures and jobs cuts, some from today

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