The Body Shop Canada to close 33 stores after filing for bankruptcy protection

Newfoundland and Labrador: Corner Brook Plaza (Corner Brook)

The Body Shop’s acquisition

The moves come weeks after the company’s parent, The Body Shop International Ltd., filed for administration in the UK, which allows companies to restructure or wind down without paying off its debts. On Thursday, British media reported that 75 of the brand’s UL stores would close and 40 per cent of its headquarters staff would be laid off, according to The Canadian Press.

The news also follows the recent acquisition of The Body Shop International Limited in December from Natura & Co. by AURELIUS GROUP. When announcing the acquisition, AURELIUS said the company would “work with the management team to drive operational excellence across the group, leveraging its expertise and experience in the omni-channel retail and wholesale markets,” in an effort to “re-energise” the business.

“We are delighted to be undertaking this acquisition of an iconic British brand, which pioneered the cruelty-free and natural ingredient movement in the health and beauty market. We look forward to working with CEO Ian Bickley and his team to drive operational improvements and re-energise the business, and help to deliver the next chapter of success,” said Tristan Nagler, partner at AURELIUS.