The Body Shop is set to close a store established over three decades ago, with the business confirming not just the closure of the store but the end of two long-running careers in the company
A British high street chain has been forced to close another store after being saved from administration.
The Body Shop store in Sheffield will close its doors after over three decades of business in the city centre, it has been confirmed. It comes just months after the brand was saved from administration, with the Orchard Square location shutting up shop. The cosmetics and skincare business, founded in 1976 by Dame Anita Roddick, has 113 locations across the UK.
But the company is set to lose its Orchard Square location, with Powerfirm Limited, Body Shop Orchard Square director Tim Boaler confirming the closure will come early next year. Mr Boaler told The Star: “After 34 years in Orchard Square and the city of Sheffield, It is with great sadness that we have to announce the closure of our Body Shop store. The last day of trading will be Wednesday 15th January 2025.
“This has been difficult news to manage, particularly for our tremendously loyal – and in many cases long serving staff – but also for our many loyal customers.” Mr Boaler also confirmed the store’s closure would mark the final day of work for “treasured manager” Jean Haigh, who has worked at the Body Shop for almost 30 years. It would also mark Dee Smith’s final day, with the longest serving member of staff having worked for the Body Shop for 22 years.
He added: “Our thanks to everyone who has worked for and supported us since our late uncle Don Wilson opened the franchise shop in 1991. When Anita Roddick was at the helm. He made Sheffield his home and it became a place he loved.” The business was saved from administration earlier this year following mass store closures.
Growth capital firm Auréa bought out the Body Shops’ remaining 113 stores after the FRP Advisory confirmed The Body Shop was up for auction after a restructuring plan was not deemed viable, The Sun reported. Auréa has since confirmed there are no immediate plans to shut any of The Body Shop’s remaining stores.
The chain employs over 1,500 workers across the UK. A spokesperson said: “As with any business, particularly one that has ended up in administration, there is a need to manage costs but we believe that the stores are an important part of the brand’s connection to its customers.”
Confirmation of the Orchard Square closure was seen on Instagram, with the Body Shop Sheffield account posting: “It’s breaking our hearts, as all our loyal customers have come in and given us love and support at this difficult time , we just want to say we appreciate you all.”
