Enlarge image
London branch of The Body Shop
Photo: Andy Rain / EPA
The shops are also an integral part of many German shopping streets. But at least in its home market, the cosmetics chain The Body Shop is apparently in serious trouble - and, according to a report, is about to file for bankruptcy in Great Britain.
The company is preparing to appoint an expert to lead a restructuring, Sky News and the British Guardian reported.
The Body Shop has around 200 stores in the UK. The company is currently present in 89 markets and generated sales of 791 million euros in 2022 with 7,000 employees. The company's headquarters are in London. The broadcaster emphasized that businesses in other countries were not affected. The Body Shop is also represented in Germany.
As the Guardian reports, the move would lead to store closures and layoffs. The impact on global suppliers – including many small companies – would also be significant.
Clear position against animal cruelty
The cosmetics chain was founded in 1976 by Anita Roddick in Brighton, England. It sold “ethically responsible and nature-based ingredients from all over the world, in packaging that was no-frills and easy to refill.” The company also took a clear stance against animal testing and in favor of good relationships with suppliers.
In 2006 the chain was taken over by the French group L'Oréal for 652 million pounds. The following year, founder Roddick died as a result of a cerebral hemorrhage.
In 2017 the company went to the Brazilian competitor Natura Cosméticos. After numerous quarters of losses, The Body Shop was sold to the German investment fund Aurelius in 2023. According to the “Börsen-Zeitung”, the private equity firm is said to have paid 207 million pounds (around 243 million euros) for the chain.
jok/AFP