Full list of 32 Bodycare stores to close after beauty brand goes under

Bodycare has long been known for its fragrances and cosmetics (Picture: Alamy Stock Photo)

High street health and beauty retailer Bodycare has fallen into administration.

While some shops have already closed in recent weeks, the brand said 32 of its nearly 150 stores will shut permanently.

Around 450 employees will be made redundant, with the future of the remaining 1,000 staff being uncertain.

When loading the Bodycare website, a ‘closed’ sign appears with the notice: ‘SORRY, THE SHOP YOU ARE LOOKING IS CLOSED RIGHT NOW, PLEASE TRY AGAIN LATER.’

Bodycare was founded on a Lancashire market stall more than half a century ago by Graham and Margaret Blackledge.

Administrators said today that the chain has ‘faced a number of challenges in recent years which have negatively impacted its financial position’.

Interpath said: ‘This included rising costs, including rent and people costs, a delayed transition to its online retail platform, and the cost-of-living crisis impacting its customer base.’

Bodycare isn’t alone – 13,479 stores, about 37 each day, permanently closed last year, according to the Centre for Retail Research.

A further 132,945 local high street shops are expected to disappear over the next 15 years.

The Bodycare in Whithaven, a port town four miles from the Lake District, closed earlier this week.

Gerard Richardson, who owns the nearby shop, Richardson’s, said the store closure reflects the woes many high streets are facing in the UK.

He told the local outlet, News & Star: ‘It’s a major blow for the town though as its essential to have a good mix of locals and nationals.’

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