‘Iconic’ British brand The Body Shop enters administration

Credit: The Body Shop

The shape of the High Street could be about to change as The Body Shop collapses into administration after 48 years in business. 

The news comes less than three months since the retail chain was taken over by German private equity firm Aurelius, and puts some 2,200 jobs at risk.

The company says it has ‘faced an extended period of financial challenges under past owners, coinciding with a difficult trading environment for the wider retail sector’, but that all options would be considered ‘as a way forward for the business’. 

Opening her first store in 1976, Dame Anita Roddick created The Body Shop based on the idea that ‘business could be a force for good’. Her name, and the business, became synonymous with ‘rule breaking’, ethically sourced vegan and vegetarian ingredients, ‘no-nonsense’ refillable packaging, social and environmental campaigning, empowering women and girls and standing against animal testing.

One beauty industry expert told The Guardian that The Body Shop would not be effective in communicating its famous ethical messaging if a reduced range was sold by other retailers. “If you stick a few products on a shelf in Boots you would lose the magic.” 

Administrators say focusing on the UK side of the business is ‘the next important step in The Body Shop’s restructuring. “Taking this approach provides the stability, flexibility and security to find the best means of securing the future of The Body Shop and revitalizing this iconic British brand.”  

Reacting to the announcement, retail trade association Bira says more governmental action is needed to protect the High Street.

Andrew Goodacre, Bira CEO, says: "It seems that we hear about the demise of a national retailer every few months – this time it is The Body Shop, a stalwart of the High Street. It is sad news and we hope that the employees and franchisees are looked after whilst the future of this chain is decided.  

"There is no doubt that since the cost of living crisis started in 2022, life on the High Street has been very difficult for retailers large and small. Shoppers have felt inclined to spend less on so-called non-essential items and official retail sales figures are showing decline in sales volumes. The loss of The Body Shop should serve as a reminder to the Chancellor that the economy needs growth and he should use his upcoming budget to restore consumer confidence by focusing on economic stability and growth. High streets and local shops are vital to communities everywhere and more needs to be done to help them through these very challenging times."

History in brief

1976: The Body Shop’s first store opens in Brighton

1986: Founder Dame Anita Roddick partners with Greenpeace for Save the Whale campaign

2006: In a controversial move The Body Shop joins L’Oréal Group

2007: Roddick passes away

2017: The Body Shop joins Avon at the Natura & Co group

2023: Aurelius Group acquires the retail chain

2024: The Body Shop collapses into administration

By Rosie Greenaway, editor