Published: 21 February 2024
The Body Shop, founded by Dame Anita Roddick in 1976, is on the brink of collapse as its UK business enters administration, potentially jeopardising up to 2,000 jobs. Roddick, often described as "woke" before the term became popular, led the way in the ethical beauty industry. She advocated for selling ethically made products and opposed animal testing.
The Body Shop Has Announced that 50% Of Its Stores Will Close in the United Kingdom today. Image Copyright Why Media Ltd.
Claire White from Why Media explains, “The brand lost its way and became focused on politics and forgot about sales and commercial realities. Some clever competitors with strong online strategies came into play, and the stores that remained open looked dated and stopped appealing to Millenials and Gen Z”.
Anita Roddick's vision of selling beauty products with ethical values started in 1976 when she opened the first Body Shop in Brighton. Driven by idealism and a dedication to ethical sourcing, the business grew quickly, reaching 138 stores worldwide within eight years. But in the 40 years since, the cosmetic industry has shifted, and ethical considerations in both beauty and retail are now an industry standard.
The Body Shop, which once led the way in ethical trading and natural ingredients, is now facing challenges in a market where these values are widespread. With approximately 200 outlets in the UK, the company is considering closing half of its UK stores and cutting 40% of roles at its London headquarters. This move comes as a strategic response to the changing dynamics of the industry, where brands promoting ethical practices are now widely available in supermarkets, allowing them to compete on cost.
The current situation has also cast a shadow on The Body Shop's fair trade suppliers, who have been left with over £792,000 ($1 million) worth of beauty ingredients that may never be ordered or paid for. The company's fair trade partnerships, spanning 18 communities globally, are now at risk, potentially affecting vulnerable people in regions like the Amazon and Africa.
The Body Shop filed for administration of its UK arms last week, marking a critical moment in the history of this iconic brand. As the beauty retailer faces an uncertain future, the ripple effects extend beyond the business itself, with several suppliers reporting to The Guardian that they could be stuck with hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of stock if the business goes bust – a figure they said was very meaningful to families living on low incomes in remote areas.
The future of The Body Shop is uncertain, highlighting the difficulties experienced by leaders in the ethical business sector as the industry evolves.
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