The Body Shop Announces Closure of Half of UK Stores; Expected to Cut 270 Head Office Jobs

Beauty retailer The Body Shop has revealed plans to shut down nearly half of its stores in the United Kingdom and reduce the workforce at its head office, potentially leading to hundreds of job losses.

This decision, announced by administrators overseeing the restructuring of the company, signifies a major shift in the strategy of the iconic cosmetic chain.

The Body Shop's Necessary Restructuring Following Acquisition by Aurelius

(Photo : DANIEL LEAL/AFP via Getty Images)

The announcement, which was released on Tuesday, entails the closure of approximately 50% of The Body Shop's 198 stores across the UK. Among the affected outlets are seven branches, including four in London, which have ceased operations without delay.

BBC News reported that these locations include Ashford Town Centre in Kent, Bristol Queens Road in Bristol, Canary Wharf and Cheapside in London, Nuneaton in Warwickshire, as well as Oxford Street-Bond Street and Surrey Quays in London.

This decision, while alarming, is deemed necessary by the administrators to streamline operations amidst challenging market conditions.

The cuts "would help re-energize the brand," stated administrators, emphasizing the need for a more agile and financially stable business model.

The restructuring comes in the wake of the company's recent acquisition by European private equity firm Aurelius. Following the £207 million deal in November, Aurelius officially took control of The Body Shop's operations on January 1, 2024.

However, the transition has not been without its challenges, with the company facing an extended period of financial strain under previous ownerships.

Aurelius, known for its expertise in reviving struggling enterprises, has been swift in implementing measures to address The Body Shop's operational inefficiencies. This includes divesting operations in mainland Europe and parts of Asia to focus on core markets.

Despite these efforts, the company's performance over the festive period fell short of expectations, prompting the decision to initiate restructuring proceedings.

Consumer expert Kate Hardcastle remarked on the closures, highlighting the volatility of the current retail landscape and the imperative for brands to evolve to meet changing consumer demands. She stressed the importance of effectively communicating the brand's values and maintaining relevance in a competitive market.

"Relevance is equally crucial. A brand must evolve with its audience," Hardcastle said. "The challenge lies not just in upholding these values but in communicating them effectively to a generation that demands authenticity and action."

The Body Shop Implements Significant Job Cuts

The restructuring extends beyond store closures, with approximately 270 head office roles expected to be cut.

As part of a strategy to create a"more agile and financially sustainable model, the staff count at the London head office will be slashed by about 40%.

The Body Shop has a workforce of approximately 2,200 individuals in the UK, with 750 employees stationed at its head office.

Additionally, The Body Shop's Ambassador Programme and its original direct selling network, The Body Shop at Home, are slated for closure as part of the restructuring efforts.

Despite the significant downsizing, administrators have assured that more than half of The Body Shop's UK stores will remain operational post-restructuring.

Furthermore, the company's global franchises in regions such as the Middle East, Asia, Africa, and the rest of Europe remain unaffected by the closures.

The Body Shop, founded in 1976 by Anita Roddick and Gordon Roddick, has been a pioneer in promoting ethical consumerism, advocating for ethically produced cosmetics and skincare products.