The Body Shop, a pioneer in ethical beauty retail, has been given a new lease on life after facing administration. A consortium led by British entrepreneur Mike Jatania has successfully acquired the struggling company, marking a significant turning point in its nearly five-decade-long history.
Founded in 1976 by Dame Anita Roddick, The Body Shop began as a small store in Brighton, England. Roddick’s vision was to create a business that offered cruelty-free, fair-trade products, challenging the norms of the beauty industry at the time. The company quickly gained popularity for its ethical stance and innovative products, expanding rapidly across the UK and internationally.
However, in recent years, The Body Shop struggled to maintain its unique identity amidst growing competition in the ethical beauty market. After being sold to L’Oréal in 2006 and then to Brazilian company Natura & Co in 2017, the brand faced financial difficulties and ultimately entered administration in February 2024.
The recent acquisition by Mike Jatania’s consortium, through his investment firm Aurea, signals a new era for the brand. Jatania, with significant experience in personal care brands, aims to “steer The Body Shop’s revival and reclaim its leadership in the ethical beauty sector.” Under his leadership, 116 UK stores will continue to operate, though the company has already seen significant job losses and store closures.
The new management team, including former Molton Brown CEO Charles Denton, is optimistic about the future. Denton stated, “We believe there’s a sustainable future ahead, and we aim to restore The Body Shop’s unique, values-driven, independent spirit.
As the company embarks on this journey of revival, it carries with it the legacy of Dame Anita Roddick’s vision, with hopes to once again become a leading voice in the world of ethical beauty retail.
