Photo by Nick Noel on Unsplash
The Body Shop Closes Almost Half of Its Stores Across the UK
February 21, 2024
The Body Shop recently made a significant announcement regarding its operations in the U.K. The company revealed plans to shut down almost half of its stores in the country, including seven closures that took place on Tuesday. Additionally, the company is slashing 40% of positions at its London headquarters.
This decision follows The Body Shop’s entry into administration last week, which put over 2,000 jobs in jeopardy. The company, which boasts approximately 200 outlets across the U.K., has been grappling with financial challenges for some time. Administrators cited “years of unprofitability” as the primary reason behind the closures.
Although more than half of the existing outlets will remain operational, the closures represent a significant restructuring for the brand. Alongside store closures, around 270 head office roles are being eliminated, equating to about 40% of positions at headquarters, leaving roughly 400 full-time employees.
The seven stores that shut down on Tuesday are located in Surrey Quays, Oxford Street Bond Street, Canary Wharf, Cheapside, Nuneaton, Ashford Town Centre, and Bristol Queens Road.
These closures come in the wake of The Body Shop’s previous divestment of businesses in mainland Europe and parts of Asia, indicating a strategic shift toward a smaller, more sustainable operation. While the exact timeline for further layoffs and closures remains undisclosed, The Body Shop is also discontinuing its ambassador program, where individuals sell products for a commission.
Amidst this restructuring, the company is emphasizing a renewed focus on its products, online sales channels, and wholesale partnerships. Fortunately, the global franchise network of The Body Shop remains unaffected, with this segment deemed crucial to the brand’s long-term international strategy.
The Body Shop’s move reflects the challenging landscape faced by many retailers as they navigate economic uncertainties and evolving consumer preferences. As the company continues to adapt to market demands, customers can expect changes in their shopping experience and product offerings in the coming months.
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