Iconic British high street chain forced to close ANOTHER store just months after being saved from administration

AN iconic British high street chain has been forced to close another store just months after it was saved from administration.

The Body Shop store in Sheffield will shut its doors after over three decades, it has been confirmed.

The cosmetics and skincare business was founded in 1976 by Dame Anita Roddick and has 113 stores across the UK.

Tim Boaler, director of Powerfirm Limited, Body Shop Orchard Square, told : “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."

He added the store’s closing day will also be the last day of work for their "treasured manager" Jean Haigh who has worked at the Body Shop for almost 30 years.

It will also be the last day for the shop's longest serving member of staff Dee Smith who has worked for the Body Shop for 22 years.

Tim 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.

The Body Shop's remaining 113 UK stores were bought by growth capital firm Auréa after 82 shut.

This came weeks after administrators at FRP Advisory confirmed that the chain was up for auction after a restructuring plan was not deemed viable.

Auréa confirmed to The Sun that it has no immediate plans to shut any of The Body Shop's remaining stores.

The chain also 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.