The Body Shop's main UK business was rescued from administration in September 2024 by Auréa Group, saving 113 stores, though they previously closed nearly half of their locations. While the UK arm is currently under new ownership and restructuring, separate international, New Zealand, and U.S. entities have faced liquidation or bankruptcy throughout 2024 and 2025.
The Body Shop is currently owned by Auréa Group, a specialist beauty and wellness investment firm led by Mike Jatania, which acquired the brand in a rescue deal in late 2024 after its previous owner, Aurelius, placed it into administration in early 2024. Auréa stepped in to save the business, gaining control of its assets in the UK, Australia, and North America, with the goal of revitalizing the ethical beauty retailer.
The Body Shop's collapse in February 2024 was the culmination of a prolonged financial struggle. Under its then owner, Aurelius, the company reported a £71 million loss for the year ending December 2022. This led to insurmountable debts, totalling over £276 million owed to creditors.
All remaining Bodycare stores are to close with the loss of 444 jobs after the health and beauty chain's administrators failed to find a buyer for the shops.
Bodycare stores in 115 locations will continue trading as usual while administrators assess options for the business, which could include a potential sale. Bodycare's website, bodycareonline.co.uk, is no longer taking orders.
The Body Shop goes into administration leaving thousands of jobs at risk | ITV News
What happened to The Body Shop in 2025?
The Body Shop is making its return to the United States in October 2025, after closing all doors in the market last year. The relaunch will see the British beauty business launch a dedicated online store and a digital storefront on Amazon.
So what was behind The Body Shop boycott and how ethical is the company now? Hundreds of consumers declared a boycott of The Body Shop in 2006, after its owner sold the cruelty-free brand to cosmetics giant L'Oreal – which was well-known for testing on animals.
The Body Shop is currently owned by Auréa Group, a specialist beauty and wellness investment firm led by Mike Jatania, which acquired the brand in a rescue deal in late 2024 after its previous owner, Aurelius, placed it into administration in early 2024. Auréa stepped in to save the business, gaining control of its assets in the UK, Australia, and North America, with the goal of revitalizing the ethical beauty retailer.
For example, in the UK, Dame Anita Roddick left her £51 million fortune to a charitable foundation prior to her death in 2007. Her husband, Gordon and their daughters supported this decision.
Those customers who grew up with The Body Shop “no longer see its values as distinctive” and once innovative products “have now become commonplace,” he says. Successive ownership and leadership changes also played a role. The Body Shop has had three different owners since Roddick sold to L'Oréal.
Is The Body Shop on the boycott list for Palestine?
On the contrary, The Body Shop stands out as an ethical brand, recognised as a B-Corp, actively campaigning against animal testing, and leading an impressive Community Trade program. That said, while The Body Shop isn't a brand to boycott, some vegan and 'ethical' brands do have ties to Israel.
The company maintains that its pay and benefits are industry-leading, and that baristas continue to get more hours of work per week on average. Starbucks has in recent years faced consumer boycotts, a wave of new competitors and a customer backlash over high prices, as well as turmoil in its leadership ranks.
Nationwide, the Body Shop has almost 200 stores and whilst 116 are staying open, the rest are closing down. On February 20, 2024, seven stores were closed nationwide and more closed four to six weeks later. In total 82 stores have been closed.
Update: 9 September 2024: The Body Shop brand has been rescued from administration, with investment firm Aurea acquiring it. The Body Shop's remaining 113 stores will continue trading.
Stores Closing in the U.S. in 2025: REI Co-op, Claire's, JCPenney and More Companies Facing Financial Challenges. Approximately 15,000 stores are expected to close in the U.S. this year, according to Coresight Research.
