Bodycare has made the decision to close an additional 30 stores beginning today following the collapse of the high street beauty chain into administration. Interpath administrators were appointed by the company earlier this month, announcing the closure of 32 stores and the loss of approximately 450 jobs initially.
In a recent update, Bodycare disclosed that 30 more stores will be closing, with 14 shutting down permanently today and the remaining 16 scheduled to close on Thursday. A total of around 235 employees working across these stores will be affected by the closures, as outlined by the company.
Following these closures, Bodycare will be left with around 85 operational shops. Established in 1970 on a Lancashire market stall by Graham and Margaret Blackledge, the company has been under the ownership of Baaj Capital since 2021. It retails products from renowned beauty brands such as L’Oreal, Nivea, and Elizabeth Arden.
Interpath, led by managing director Nick Holloway, expressed gratitude towards the dedicated Bodycare staff and emphasized efforts to continue trading in the remaining 85 stores while engaging with potential buyers to salvage as much of the business as feasible. The administration firm is actively exploring options for a potential rescue sale of the business.
The recent financial challenges faced by Bodycare are part of a broader trend affecting high street retailers, with Poundland recently sold for £1 to private equity firm Gordon Brothers and announcing the closure of 68 stores. Similarly, River Island has implemented a restructuring plan to prevent collapse, resulting in the closure of 33 shops and reduced rents on 71 other stores as approved by the High Court.
The evolving situation in the retail sector underscores the ongoing financial pressures and operational adjustments within the industry.
