The Body Shop to close 75 stores across the UK

(Sharecast News) - The Body Shop is to close a further 75 stores, it was confirmed on Thursday, with the loss of nearly 500 jobs. Administrators FRP Advisory said that while 116 stores would remain open, 75 would close in a phased process over the next four-to-six weeks.

A total of 489 people will be made redundant as a result.

Tony Wright, partner at FRP and joint administrator, said: "In taking swift action to right-size The Body Shop UK store portfolio, we have stabilised the business and are providing the best opportunity for this iconic brand to have a long-term, sustainable future.

"The UK business continues to trade in administration and we remain fully focused on exploring all options to take the business forward."

The UK arm of the ethical beauty retailer collapsed into administration earlier this month, less than three months after it was taken over by German private equity firm Aurelius in a £207m deal.

Aurelius said it had been unable to steady the business following dire festive trading.

FRP has already closed seven stores, including four in London, and confirmed that head office roles in London and Littlehampton, West Sussex, would be cut by 40% to 400.

The chain employed more than 2,200 when FRP was appointed, 1,600 of which worked across its 198 stores.

The 75 shops flagged for closure are spread across the UK, including stores in Glasgow, Perth, Carlisle, Huddersfield, Croydon and Woking.

The Body Shop was founded by the late Anita Roddick in Brighton in 1976, and quickly became known as a trailblazer for selling only ethically-sourced, cruelty-free cosmetics and beauty products.